Field experiments on the decomposition of organic materials and the accumulation of organic carbon ininfertile red soils were conducted at the Ecological Experimental Station of Red Soil, the Chinese Academyof Science...Field experiments on the decomposition of organic materials and the accumulation of organic carbon ininfertile red soils were conducted at the Ecological Experimental Station of Red Soil, the Chinese Academyof Sciences, and the potential of CO2 sequestration by reclamation and improving the fertility of these soils was estimated. Results showed that in infertile red soils, the humification coefficients of organic materials were rather high, ranging from 0.28 to 0.63 with an average of 0.43, which was 41% higher than those incorresponding red soils with medium fertility. This was mainly attributed to the high clay content, highacidity and low native organic matter content of infertile red soils. Compared to those in correspondingnormal red soils, the decomposition rates of organic materials were significantly lower in infertile red soilsin the first 2 yearst thereafter no significant difference was observed between those in the two kinds of soils.Depending on the kind and amount of organic manure applied, the soil properties and the rotation systems,annual application of organic manure with a rate of 4500 to 9000 kg ha-1 increased the organic carboncontent in surface 20 cm of infertile red soils by 2.1~7.5 g kg-1 with an average of 4.7 g kg-1 within the first5 years. The organic carbon content in infertile red soils which received organic manure annually increasedlinearly in the first 10 years, thereafter it slowed down, implying that the fertility of the infertile red soilscould reach middle or high level in 1O years if the soil was managed properly It was estimated that throughexploitation of wastelands, re-establishment of fuel forests and improvement of soil fertility, soils in red soilregion of China could sequester an extra 1.50 × 1015 g of atmospheric CO2.展开更多
This study analyzed the trend in semen quality of infertile male patients in Wenzhou,China,based on the data obtained from 38905 patients during 2008-2016 in The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University...This study analyzed the trend in semen quality of infertile male patients in Wenzhou,China,based on the data obtained from 38905 patients during 2008-2016 in The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University(Wenzhou,China).The results showed that only 24.9%of the patients had normal semen quality.For the semen quality of infertile male patients,that of the workers and 40-year-olds was significantly worse than the other occupational and age groups.For all the infertile patients,low semen volume,asthenozoospermia,and teratozoospermia accounted for 8.4%,50.5%,and 54.1%,respectively.During 2008-2016,the annual mean percentage of fast forward motile spermatozoa,percentage of total forward motile spermatozoa,and percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology decreased linearly with slopes of-2.11,-2.59,and-0.70,respectively.The proportion of patients with asthenozoospermia and multi-abnormal spermatozoa increased during 2008-2016 with slopes of 4.70 and 4.87,respectively,while for low semen volume,it decreased with a slope of-0.47 in the same time period.The proportion of patients with teratozoospermia increased from 2008 to 2011 and from 2011 to 2016 with slopes of 17.10 and 2.09,respectively.In general,the deteriorating trend of semen quality of infertile male patients in Wenzhou was obvious.Future efforts should be made to reveal the adverse influences on semen quality,such as occupational exposure,environmental quality,and living habits.Furthermore,more pervasive reproduction health education is necessary.展开更多
No previous study has evaluated systematically the relationship between metabolic syndrome （MetS） and prostate-related symptoms and signs in young infertile men. We studied 171 （36.5 ±8.3-years-old） males of ...No previous study has evaluated systematically the relationship between metabolic syndrome （MetS） and prostate-related symptoms and signs in young infertile men. We studied 171 （36.5 ±8.3-years-old） males of infertile couples. MetS was defined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Third Adult Treatment Panel. All men underwent hormonal （including total testosterone （TT） and insulin）, seminal （including interleukin-8 （IL-8）, seminal plasma IL-8 （sIL-8））, scrotal and transrectal ultrasound evaluations. Because we have previously assessed correlations between MetS and scrotal parameters in a larger cohort of infertile men, here, we focused on transrectal features. Prostate-related symptoms were assessed using the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index （NIH-CPSI） and the International Prostate Symptom Score （IPSS）. Twenty-two subjects fulfilled MetS criteria. In an age-adjusted logistic ordinal model, insulin levels increased as a function of MetS components （Wald = 29.5, P〈 0.0001） and showed an inverse correlation with TT （adjusted r = -0.359, P 〈 0.0001）. No association between MetS and NIH-CPSI or IPSS scores was observed. In an age-, TT-, insulin-adjusted logistic ordinal model, an increase in number of MetS components correlated negatively with normal sperm morphology （Wald -- 5.59, P〈 0.02） and positively with slL-8 levels （Wald = 4.32, P〈 0.05）, which is a marker of prostate inflammation, with prostate total and transitional zone volume assessed using ultrasound （Wald = 17.6 and 12.5, both P〈 0.0001）, with arterial peak systolic velocity （Wald = 9.57, P= 0.002）, with texture nonhomogeneity （hazard ratio （HR） = 1.87 （1.05-3.33）, P 〈 0.05）, with calcification size （Wald = 3.11, P 〈 0.05）, but not with parameters of seminal vesicle size or function. In conclusion, in males of infertile couples, MetS is positively associated with prostate enlargement, biochemical （slL8） and ultrasound-derived signs of prostate inflammation but not with prostate-related symptoms, which suggests that MetS is a trigger for a subclinical, early-onset form of benign prostatic hyperplasia.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in infertile women.Methods:This study was performed in 2019 by searching Google Scholar,Scopus,PubMed/MEDLINE,Cochrane libr...Objective:To investigate the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in infertile women.Methods:This study was performed in 2019 by searching Google Scholar,Scopus,PubMed/MEDLINE,Cochrane library,EMBASE,Proquest,ISI Web of Science,MagIran,SID and IranMedex.Eligible studies were selected by two reviewers and outcomes of interest were extracted.The meta-analysis was performed using the random effect models.Ⅰ-square statistic test was used for heterogeneity analysis.Presence of publication bias was also checked.Results:Eleven studies were included in this review.Between-group differences(cognitive behavioral therapy and control groups)in risk ratio for infertile women's depression was d=-1.36;95%CI=-1.81,-0.90;P<0.001.For infertile women's anxiety,between-group differences in risk ratio wasd=-0.83;95%CI=-1.18,-0.47;P<0.001.Conclusions:Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in the reduction of depression and anxiety in patients with or withoutin vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment.However,the lack of high-quality studies makes it challenging to make a solid and precise conclusion.Well-designed studies should be undertaken in the future to confirm these results.展开更多
Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products（s RAGE） can decoy the toxic AGEs and is considered to be a protective factor.This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between intrafollicular s RAGE levels an...Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products（s RAGE） can decoy the toxic AGEs and is considered to be a protective factor.This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between intrafollicular s RAGE levels and clinical outcomes in infertile women of young or advanced maternal age（AMA） undergoing in vitro fertilization（IVF）.A total of 62 young women and 62 AMA women who would undergo IVF were included in this prospective study.The intrafollicular s RAGE concentration was measured to determine its association with the number of retrieved oocytes,fertilized oocytes,high-quality embryos or achievement of clinical pregnancy in young and AMA women,respectively.Besides,correlations between sR AGE and age or follicle-stimulating hormone（FSH） were examined.We found that the intrafollicular s RAGE levels were higher in young patients than those in AMA patients,suggesting that the s RAGE levels were inversely correlated with age.In young patients,sR AGE showed no correlation with the number of retrieved oocytes,fertilized oocytes,high-quality embryos or achievement of clinical pregnancy.But it was found that AMA patients with more retrieved oocytes,fertilized oocytes and high-quality embryos demonstrated higher sR AGE levels,which were a prognostic factor for getting clinical pregnancy independent of age or FSH level.In conclusion,the s RAGE levels decrease with age.Elevated intrafollicular s RAGE levels indicate good follicular growth,fertilization and embryonic development,and successful clinical pregnancy in AMA women,while in young women,the role of s RAGE may not be so predominant.展开更多
Objective To establish a rat model of sterility associated with epididymis and epididymal gene expression profiles relation to fertility by alpha-chlorohydrin.Methods Rats were treated with 10 mg·kg-1·d-1.al...Objective To establish a rat model of sterility associated with epididymis and epididymal gene expression profiles relation to fertility by alpha-chlorohydrin.Methods Rats were treated with 10 mg·kg-1·d-1.alpha-chlorohydrin for 10 consecutive days.Sperm maturation and other fertility parameters were analyzed.The sperm motility and morphology were evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis(CASA);sperm survival rate was assessed by SYBR-14 and propidium iodide(PI)fluorescent staining;the weights of testes,epididymides,prostates and seminal vesicles were determined by electronic balance;histological examination of above tissues were evaluated by HE staining;and serumal dihydrotestosterone(DHT)and testosterone(T)of rats were detected by enzyme-labeled immunoassay.Each male rat was paired with 2 female rats in proestrus.Female rats were examined the next morning for the presence of sperm in vaginal smears and underwent a cesarean section on day 12 of gestation.Finally the reproductive indices were calculated as follows:copulation index(number of sperm positive females /number of pairings),pregnancy index(number of pregnancies /number of sperm positive females),and fertility index(number of pregnancies /number of pairings).After that we used Affymetrix Rat 230 2.0 oligo-microarray to identify epididymal special genes associated with fertility.Finally,we validated some of these genes by Real-Time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results The motility of spermatozoa from the cauda epididymidis of treated rats showed a significant decrease in percentage of motile,progressively motile sperm,and sperm survival rate.At the same time,the morphology of cauda epididymal spermatozoa was also adversely affected by the treatment.In addition,the serumal androgen levels of treated animals weren't changed compared with the control group.Accordingly,matings with treated males resulted in no successful pregnancy.Then,we classified general functions of the down or up regulated epididymal genes by chlorhydrin with the GeneSpring gene ontology(GO)analysis,which are involved in macromolecular metabolism and transport,primary metabolism process,cell metabolism,biological process regulation,immunology regulation,ion combination,hydratase and oxidoreductase activity.Among all the different expressed genes,we analyzed and screened the down-regulated genes associated with glucose,lipid,protein and other energy metabolism,which are considered as the major ACH action targets.Simultaneously,the up-regulated genes by chlorhydrin were detected and their characters of negative regulated sperm maturation and fertility analyzed,which are apoptosis and immune-related genes and not reported before.Conclusions We established male infertile rat model with ACH(10 mg·kg-1·d-1,po,10 days)through evaluating changes of sperm motility and morphology,mating index,fertility index and pregnancy index.Simultaneously,the ACH didn't affect the major androgen(T and DHT)metabolism and sexual ability,which is considered as the best way for male contraception.Then we determined the down-regulated epididymal genes relation to substance metabolism,which can affect the epididymal sperm maturation and presumed the major antifertility targets by ACH.Further more,we found and analyzed the epididymal up-regulated genes associated with apoptosis and immune functions,which maybe the new possible sites of action by ACH and other male antifertility agents.展开更多
Objective:To compare the prolactin, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, antisperm antibodies, tumor necrosis factorα, total antioxidant capacity, prostaglandin E2 and F2α betw...Objective:To compare the prolactin, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, antisperm antibodies, tumor necrosis factorα, total antioxidant capacity, prostaglandin E2 and F2α between primary and secondary infertile women in Calabar.Methods:One hundred and two volunteers infertile women (test group), aged 20-45 years attending the infertility clinic in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) were recruited. Fourteen of the women had primary infertility while 88 of them had secondary infertility. Sixty apparently healthy, age matched women served as the control group. Five millilitres of blood was collected, allowed to clot and serum was obtained from the subjects and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay method was used for prolactin, progesterone, estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), prostaglandin E2and F2α, human TNF-α,Chlamydia trachomatis IgG, antisperm antibodies assay, while serum total antioxidant capacity was assessed spectrophotometrically.Results:The result shows on comparison that primary infertile women has a significantly higher level of progesterone than those with secondary infertility (P>0.05). There was a significant difference in the levels of prolactin and total antioxidant capacity in the primary and secondary infertility when compare to the control group atP>0.05. Their mean ages were (31.10±5.37) years and (33.10±4.91) years respectively. There was a positive correlation between TAC and FSH, TNF and anti-sperm anti-bodies in the test group ofr=0.207 andr=0.632;P>0.05 respectively.Conclusions: These findings suggest no alterations in levels of prostaglandin F2α, TNF and anti-oxidant between primary and secondary infertile females.展开更多
Objective:To bring out current evidence regarding psycho-social interventions for infertility care,and identify the best practices in clinical care.Methods:An in-depth literature review on infertility care interventio...Objective:To bring out current evidence regarding psycho-social interventions for infertility care,and identify the best practices in clinical care.Methods:An in-depth literature review on infertility care intervention was conducted using data from multiple databases:PubMed,EMBASE,Google Scholar,and PsycINFO.The relevant articles selected were between 2008 and 2022.Results:A literature search turned up 1798 citations,of which 25 studies were included after rigorous analysis.Various intervention categories have been constantly utilised to provide support and promote mental health,of which acceptance and commitment therapy(ACT)and cognitive behaviour therapy(CBT)were used most frequently.The interventions exhibited diversity in both content and composition,and addressed a wide range of issues.Conclusions:The review emphasizes that psycho-social interventions have a positive effect on psychological issues,relationships,and pregnancies among couples and can be incorporated into fertility-care practices.展开更多
Evaluation of infertility indicated for women failed to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse and for women over 35 years failed to conceive after 6 mo of unprotected intercourse, because the fertility de...Evaluation of infertility indicated for women failed to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse and for women over 35 years failed to conceive after 6 mo of unprotected intercourse, because the fertility decline as women approach 40 years. Evaluation of infertile couple should begin with semen analysis of male partner. If the semen analysis is within normal range, evaluation then move on to female partner. Evaluation of the infertile woman should be carried in cost-effective manner to identify the causes of infertility using the least invasive methods. Methods of evaluation of infertile women include: 1) history and physical examination;2) evaluation of the male partner;3) documentation of ovulation;4) evaluation of the ovarian reserve;5) evaluation of cervical causes of infertility;6) evaluation of uterine causes of infertility;7) documentation of the tubal patency;and 8) exclusion of peritoneal causes of infertility. Evaluation of infertile couple should include evaluation of both partners. Semen analysis for the male partner, followed by documentation of ovulation and evaluation of genital tract patency. PCT is not used as routine evaluation of infertile women. Laparoscopy is not used as routine evaluation of infertile women unless there is suspected peritoneal factors of infertility or endometriosis or tubal occlusion. Ovarian reserve should only be done for infertile women with diminished response to external gonadotropins (not routine).展开更多
The diameters of spermatic veins and blood reflux in sixty-two male patients with infertility caused by varicocele were assessed with Doppler ultrasound in this study. Scrotal thermograph, testes volume and semen anal...The diameters of spermatic veins and blood reflux in sixty-two male patients with infertility caused by varicocele were assessed with Doppler ultrasound in this study. Scrotal thermograph, testes volume and semen analysis were also applied to analysis of these patients. Among sixty-two patients, thirty-one received high ligation of internal spermatic vein. The results showed: 1. The diameter of spermatic veins was negatively correlated with fertility index and positively correlated with Doppler grading of blood reflux. 2. In operative patients, the effect of surgery was better in patients with blood reflux than in those without blood reflux. It was suggested the diameter of spermatic veins probably reflects the duration and serious degree of blood reflux in spermatic vein, and may be used for assessment of severity of male infertility in combination with semen analysis.展开更多
There has been a growing interest over the past few years in the impact of male nutrition on fertility. Infertility has been linked to male overweight or obesity, and conventional semen parameter values seem to be alt...There has been a growing interest over the past few years in the impact of male nutrition on fertility. Infertility has been linked to male overweight or obesity, and conventional semen parameter values seem to be altered in case of high body mass index （BMI）. A few studies assessing the impact of BMI on sperm DNA integrity have been published, but they did not lead to a strong consensus. Our objective was to explore further the relationship between sperm DNA integrity and BMI, through a 3-year multicentre study. Three hundred and thirty male partners in subfertile couples were included. Using the terminal uridine nick-end labelling （TUNEL） assay, we observed an increased rate of sDerm DNA damage in obese men （odds ratio （95% confidence interval）： 2.5 （1.2-5.1））.展开更多
Aim： To investigate the prevalence of high levels of sperm DNA damage among men from infertile couples with both normal and abnormal standard semen parameters. Methods： A total of 350 men from infertile couples were...Aim： To investigate the prevalence of high levels of sperm DNA damage among men from infertile couples with both normal and abnormal standard semen parameters. Methods： A total of 350 men from infertile couples were assessed. Standard semen analysis and sperm chromatin structure assay （SCSA） were carried out. Results： Ninety-seven men （28% of the whole study group） had a DNA fragmentation index （DFI） 〉 20%, and 43 men （12%） had a DFI 〉 30%. In the group of men with abnormal semen parameters （n = 224）, 35% had a DFI 〉 20%, and 16% had a DFI 〉 30%, whereas these numbers were 15% and 5%, respectively, in the group of men with normal semen parameters （n = 126）. Men with low sperm motility and abnormal morphology had significantly higher odds ratios （ORs） for having a DFI 〉 20% （4.0 for motility and 1.9 for morphology） and DFI 〉 30% （6.2 for motility and 2.8 for morphology） compared with men with normal sperm motility and morphology. Conclusion： In almost one-third of unselected men from infertile couples, the DFI exceeded the level of 20% above which, according to previous studies, the in vivo fertility is reduced. A significant proportion of men with otherwise normal semen parameters also had high sperm DNA damage levels. Thus, the SCSA test could add to explaining causes of infertility in cases where semen analysis has not shown any deviation from the norm. We also recommend running the SCSA test to choose the appropriate assisted reproductive technique （ART）.展开更多
This study was carried out to analyze the vertical transmission of Yq AZFc microdeletions from father to son in infertile Han Chinese families to investigate genetic factors and family background affecting fertility s...This study was carried out to analyze the vertical transmission of Yq AZFc microdeletions from father to son in infertile Han Chinese families to investigate genetic factors and family background affecting fertility status.The peripheral blood of infertile males in 19 Han families was extracted and screened with modified multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR）. Family trees were drawn according to fertility status and clinical characteristics of the subjects. The vertical transmission of Yq AZFc microdeletions was detected in six cases of 19 investigated families （31.6%,6/19）. Although both fathers and sons showed a similar type of Yq AZFc deletion,the fathers were fertile,whereas the sons were infertile and showed severe oligozoospermia. The vertical transmission of Yq AZFc microdeletion from fertile fathers to infertile sons over generations is not rare. This has different effects on fertility status in fathers and sons in Han Chinese families. Both genetic factors and family background affect spermatogenetic phenotypes.展开更多
The clinical management of men with nonobstructive azoospermia （NOA） seeking fertility has been a challenge for andrologists, urologists, and reproductive medicine specialists alike. This review presents a personal ...The clinical management of men with nonobstructive azoospermia （NOA） seeking fertility has been a challenge for andrologists, urologists, and reproductive medicine specialists alike. This review presents a personal perspective on the clinical management of NOA, including the lessons learned over 15 years dealing with this male infertility condition. A five-consecutive-step algorithm is proposed to manage such patients. First, a differential diagnosis of azoospermia is made to confirm/establish that NOA is due to spermatogenic failure. Second, genetic testing is carried out not only to detect the males in whom NOA is caused by microdeletions of the long arm of the Y chromosome, but also to counsel the affected patients about their chances of having success in sperm retrieval. Third, it is determined whether any intervention prior to a surgical retrieval attempt may be used to increase sperm production. Fourth, the most effective and efficient retrieval method is selected to search for testicular sperm. Lastly, state-of-art laboratory techniques are applied in the handling of retrieved gametes and cultivating the embryos resulting from sperm injections. A coordinated multidisciplinary effort is key to offer the best possible chance of achieving a biological offspring to males with NOA.展开更多
Aim： To investigate the possible causes of oligozoospermia and azoospermia in infertile Thai men, and to find the frequencies of Y chromosome microdeletions and cytogenetic abnormalities in this group. Methods： From...Aim： To investigate the possible causes of oligozoospermia and azoospermia in infertile Thai men, and to find the frequencies of Y chromosome microdeletions and cytogenetic abnormalities in this group. Methods： From June 2003 to November 2005, 50 azoospermic and 80 oligozoospermic men were enrolled in the study. A detailed history was taken for each man, followed by general and genital examinations. Y chromosome microdeletions were detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR） using 11 gene-specific primers that covered all three regions of the azoospermic factor （AZFa, AZFb and AZFc）. Fifty men with normal semen analysis were also studied. Karyotyping was done with the standard G- and Q-banding. Serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone （FSH）, luteinizing hormone （LH）, prolactin （PRL） and testosterone were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays （ECLIA）. Results： Azoospermia and oligozoospermia could be explained by previous orchitis in 22.3%, former bilateral cryptorchidism in 19.2%, abnormal karyotypes in 4.6% and Y chromosome microdeletions in 3.8% of the subjects. The most frequent deletions were in the AZFc region （50%）, followed by AZFb （33%） and AZFbc （17%）. No significant difference was detected in hormonal profiles of infertile men, with or without microdeletions. Conclusion： The frequencies of Y chromosome microdeletions and cytogenetic abnormalities in oligozoospermic and azoospermic Thai men are comparable with similarly infertile men from other Asian and Western countries.展开更多
Aim： To develop a high-throughput multiplex, fast and simple assay to scan azoospermia factor （AZF） region microdeletions on the Y chromosome and establish the prevalence of Y chromosomal microdeletions in Chinese ...Aim： To develop a high-throughput multiplex, fast and simple assay to scan azoospermia factor （AZF） region microdeletions on the Y chromosome and establish the prevalence of Y chromosomal microdeletions in Chinese infertile males with azoospermia or oligozoospermia. Methods： In total, 178 infertile patients with azoospermia （nonobstructed）, 134 infertile patients with oligozoospermia as well as 40 fertile man controls were included in the present study. The samples were screened for AZF microdeletion using optimized multi-analyte suspension array （MASA） technology. Results： Of the 312 patients, 36 （11.5%） were found to have deletions in the AZF region. The rnicrodeletion frequency was 14% （25/178） in the azoospermia group and 8.2% （11/134） in the oligospermia group. Among 36 patients with microdeletions, 19 had deletions in the AZFc region, seven had deletions in AZFa and six had deletions in AZFb. In addition, four patients had both AZFb and AZFc deletions. No deletion in the AZF region was found in the 40 fertile controls. Conclusion： There is a high prevalence of Y chromosomal microdeletions in Chinese infertile males with azoospermia or oligozoospermia. The MASA technology, which has been established in the present study, provides a sensitive and high-throughput method for detecting the deletion of the Y chromosome. And the results suggest that genetic screening should be advised to infertile men before starting assisted reproductive treatments.展开更多
Aim： To characterize the coexpression of survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis （IAF）, and human telomerase reverse transcriptase （hTERT） in human testes with varying spermatogenic function. Methods： Transcript lev...Aim： To characterize the coexpression of survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis （IAF）, and human telomerase reverse transcriptase （hTERT） in human testes with varying spermatogenic function. Methods： Transcript levels of survivin mRNA and hTERT mRNA were determined in normal testes （n = 11） and testes with defective spermatogenesis （n = 28） using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. The histological work-up was performed according to a modified Johnsen score. Results： Expressions of both survivin and hTERT were highest at median levels of 96.8 and 709 in normal spermatogenesis and dropped to 53.3 and 534 in testes with postmeiotic spermatogenic arrest （n = 10）. In severe spermatogenic failure （n = 18）, survivin expression was lacking in most specimens （n = 16）, whereas at least low levels of testicular hTERT expression were largely detectable with a normalized expression of 73 in premeiotic spermatogenic arrest （n = 7） and 45 in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome （SCOS） （n = 3）. Both survivin and hTERT expressions increased with a progressing Johnsen score （P for trend = 0.001）. Conclusion： Although both survivin and hTERT are correlated with spermatogenic function, they show different expression patterns in testes of infertile patients. These findings substantiate results from studies in the rodent testis suggesting a predominant expression of survivin in meiotically dividing germ cells. （Asian J Andro12006 Jan; 8： 95-100）展开更多
Objective Prior pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB) on chest X-ray(CXR) was commonly found in infertile patients receiving examinations before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET). It was unclear whether untreat...Objective Prior pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB) on chest X-ray(CXR) was commonly found in infertile patients receiving examinations before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET). It was unclear whether untreated PTB would affect pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET.Method We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 14,254 infertile patients who had received IVFET at Peking University Third Hospital in 2017. Prior PTB was defined as the presence of signs suggestive of old or inactive PTB on CXR, with or without a clinical TB history. Patients who had prior PTB on CXR but had not received a clinical diagnosis and anti-TB therapy were included for analysis. Live birth,clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates were compared between the untreated PTB and non-PTB groups.Results The untreated PTB group had significantly lower clinical pregnancy(31.7% vs. 38.1%) and live birth(23.8% vs. 30.6%) rates than the non-PTB group(both P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that untreated PTB was a risk factor for decreased live birth rate [odds ratio(OR), 0.80;95% confidence interval(CI), 0.66–0.98;P = 0.028] in all patients and for increased miscarriage(OR, 4.19;95% CI,1.69–10.39;P = 0.002) and decreased live birth(OR, 0.45;95% CI, 0.24–0.83;P = 0.011) rates in patients with unexplained infertility.Conclusions Untreated PTB was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET, especially in patients with unexplained infertility, highlighting the clinical significance of PTB in this specific patient population.展开更多
To study the major differences in the distribution of spermatozoa proteins in infertile men with varicocele by comparative proteomics and validation of their level of expression. The study-specific estimates for each ...To study the major differences in the distribution of spermatozoa proteins in infertile men with varicocele by comparative proteomics and validation of their level of expression. The study-specific estimates for each varicocele outcome were combined to identify the proteins involved in varicocele-associated infertility in men irrespective of stage and laterality of their clinical varicocele. Expression levels of 5 key proteins （PKARIA, AK7, CCT6B, HSPA2, and ODF2） involved in stress response and sperm function including molecular chaperones were validated by Western blotting. Ninety-nine proteins were differentially expressed in the varicocele Eroup. Over 87% of the DEP involved in major energy metabolism and key sperm functions were underexpressed in the varicocele group. Key protein functions affected in the varicocele group were spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which were further validated by Western blotting, corroborating the proteomics analysis. Varicocele is essentially a state of energy deprivation, hypoxia, and hyperthermia due to impaired blood supply, which is corroborated by down-regulation of lipid metabolism, mitochondrial electron transport chain, and Krebs cycle enzymes. To corroborate the proteomic analysis, expression of the 5 identified proteins of interest was validated by Western blotting. This study contributes toward establishing a biomarker ＂fingerprint＂ to assess sperm quality on the basis of molecular parameters.展开更多
文摘Field experiments on the decomposition of organic materials and the accumulation of organic carbon ininfertile red soils were conducted at the Ecological Experimental Station of Red Soil, the Chinese Academyof Sciences, and the potential of CO2 sequestration by reclamation and improving the fertility of these soils was estimated. Results showed that in infertile red soils, the humification coefficients of organic materials were rather high, ranging from 0.28 to 0.63 with an average of 0.43, which was 41% higher than those incorresponding red soils with medium fertility. This was mainly attributed to the high clay content, highacidity and low native organic matter content of infertile red soils. Compared to those in correspondingnormal red soils, the decomposition rates of organic materials were significantly lower in infertile red soilsin the first 2 yearst thereafter no significant difference was observed between those in the two kinds of soils.Depending on the kind and amount of organic manure applied, the soil properties and the rotation systems,annual application of organic manure with a rate of 4500 to 9000 kg ha-1 increased the organic carboncontent in surface 20 cm of infertile red soils by 2.1~7.5 g kg-1 with an average of 4.7 g kg-1 within the first5 years. The organic carbon content in infertile red soils which received organic manure annually increasedlinearly in the first 10 years, thereafter it slowed down, implying that the fertility of the infertile red soilscould reach middle or high level in 1O years if the soil was managed properly It was estimated that throughexploitation of wastelands, re-establishment of fuel forests and improvement of soil fertility, soils in red soilregion of China could sequester an extra 1.50 × 1015 g of atmospheric CO2.
基金the Major Project of National Key Research and Development Program(2018YFC1004300).
文摘This study analyzed the trend in semen quality of infertile male patients in Wenzhou,China,based on the data obtained from 38905 patients during 2008-2016 in The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University(Wenzhou,China).The results showed that only 24.9%of the patients had normal semen quality.For the semen quality of infertile male patients,that of the workers and 40-year-olds was significantly worse than the other occupational and age groups.For all the infertile patients,low semen volume,asthenozoospermia,and teratozoospermia accounted for 8.4%,50.5%,and 54.1%,respectively.During 2008-2016,the annual mean percentage of fast forward motile spermatozoa,percentage of total forward motile spermatozoa,and percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology decreased linearly with slopes of-2.11,-2.59,and-0.70,respectively.The proportion of patients with asthenozoospermia and multi-abnormal spermatozoa increased during 2008-2016 with slopes of 4.70 and 4.87,respectively,while for low semen volume,it decreased with a slope of-0.47 in the same time period.The proportion of patients with teratozoospermia increased from 2008 to 2011 and from 2011 to 2016 with slopes of 17.10 and 2.09,respectively.In general,the deteriorating trend of semen quality of infertile male patients in Wenzhou was obvious.Future efforts should be made to reveal the adverse influences on semen quality,such as occupational exposure,environmental quality,and living habits.Furthermore,more pervasive reproduction health education is necessary.
文摘No previous study has evaluated systematically the relationship between metabolic syndrome （MetS） and prostate-related symptoms and signs in young infertile men. We studied 171 （36.5 ±8.3-years-old） males of infertile couples. MetS was defined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Third Adult Treatment Panel. All men underwent hormonal （including total testosterone （TT） and insulin）, seminal （including interleukin-8 （IL-8）, seminal plasma IL-8 （sIL-8））, scrotal and transrectal ultrasound evaluations. Because we have previously assessed correlations between MetS and scrotal parameters in a larger cohort of infertile men, here, we focused on transrectal features. Prostate-related symptoms were assessed using the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index （NIH-CPSI） and the International Prostate Symptom Score （IPSS）. Twenty-two subjects fulfilled MetS criteria. In an age-adjusted logistic ordinal model, insulin levels increased as a function of MetS components （Wald = 29.5, P〈 0.0001） and showed an inverse correlation with TT （adjusted r = -0.359, P 〈 0.0001）. No association between MetS and NIH-CPSI or IPSS scores was observed. In an age-, TT-, insulin-adjusted logistic ordinal model, an increase in number of MetS components correlated negatively with normal sperm morphology （Wald -- 5.59, P〈 0.02） and positively with slL-8 levels （Wald = 4.32, P〈 0.05）, which is a marker of prostate inflammation, with prostate total and transitional zone volume assessed using ultrasound （Wald = 17.6 and 12.5, both P〈 0.0001）, with arterial peak systolic velocity （Wald = 9.57, P= 0.002）, with texture nonhomogeneity （hazard ratio （HR） = 1.87 （1.05-3.33）, P 〈 0.05）, with calcification size （Wald = 3.11, P 〈 0.05）, but not with parameters of seminal vesicle size or function. In conclusion, in males of infertile couples, MetS is positively associated with prostate enlargement, biochemical （slL8） and ultrasound-derived signs of prostate inflammation but not with prostate-related symptoms, which suggests that MetS is a trigger for a subclinical, early-onset form of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
文摘Objective:To investigate the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in infertile women.Methods:This study was performed in 2019 by searching Google Scholar,Scopus,PubMed/MEDLINE,Cochrane library,EMBASE,Proquest,ISI Web of Science,MagIran,SID and IranMedex.Eligible studies were selected by two reviewers and outcomes of interest were extracted.The meta-analysis was performed using the random effect models.Ⅰ-square statistic test was used for heterogeneity analysis.Presence of publication bias was also checked.Results:Eleven studies were included in this review.Between-group differences(cognitive behavioral therapy and control groups)in risk ratio for infertile women's depression was d=-1.36;95%CI=-1.81,-0.90;P<0.001.For infertile women's anxiety,between-group differences in risk ratio wasd=-0.83;95%CI=-1.18,-0.47;P<0.001.Conclusions:Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in the reduction of depression and anxiety in patients with or withoutin vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment.However,the lack of high-quality studies makes it challenging to make a solid and precise conclusion.Well-designed studies should be undertaken in the future to confirm these results.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81471507)
文摘Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products（s RAGE） can decoy the toxic AGEs and is considered to be a protective factor.This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between intrafollicular s RAGE levels and clinical outcomes in infertile women of young or advanced maternal age（AMA） undergoing in vitro fertilization（IVF）.A total of 62 young women and 62 AMA women who would undergo IVF were included in this prospective study.The intrafollicular s RAGE concentration was measured to determine its association with the number of retrieved oocytes,fertilized oocytes,high-quality embryos or achievement of clinical pregnancy in young and AMA women,respectively.Besides,correlations between sR AGE and age or follicle-stimulating hormone（FSH） were examined.We found that the intrafollicular s RAGE levels were higher in young patients than those in AMA patients,suggesting that the s RAGE levels were inversely correlated with age.In young patients,sR AGE showed no correlation with the number of retrieved oocytes,fertilized oocytes,high-quality embryos or achievement of clinical pregnancy.But it was found that AMA patients with more retrieved oocytes,fertilized oocytes and high-quality embryos demonstrated higher sR AGE levels,which were a prognostic factor for getting clinical pregnancy independent of age or FSH level.In conclusion,the s RAGE levels decrease with age.Elevated intrafollicular s RAGE levels indicate good follicular growth,fertilization and embryonic development,and successful clinical pregnancy in AMA women,while in young women,the role of s RAGE may not be so predominant.
文摘Objective To establish a rat model of sterility associated with epididymis and epididymal gene expression profiles relation to fertility by alpha-chlorohydrin.Methods Rats were treated with 10 mg·kg-1·d-1.alpha-chlorohydrin for 10 consecutive days.Sperm maturation and other fertility parameters were analyzed.The sperm motility and morphology were evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis(CASA);sperm survival rate was assessed by SYBR-14 and propidium iodide(PI)fluorescent staining;the weights of testes,epididymides,prostates and seminal vesicles were determined by electronic balance;histological examination of above tissues were evaluated by HE staining;and serumal dihydrotestosterone(DHT)and testosterone(T)of rats were detected by enzyme-labeled immunoassay.Each male rat was paired with 2 female rats in proestrus.Female rats were examined the next morning for the presence of sperm in vaginal smears and underwent a cesarean section on day 12 of gestation.Finally the reproductive indices were calculated as follows:copulation index(number of sperm positive females /number of pairings),pregnancy index(number of pregnancies /number of sperm positive females),and fertility index(number of pregnancies /number of pairings).After that we used Affymetrix Rat 230 2.0 oligo-microarray to identify epididymal special genes associated with fertility.Finally,we validated some of these genes by Real-Time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results The motility of spermatozoa from the cauda epididymidis of treated rats showed a significant decrease in percentage of motile,progressively motile sperm,and sperm survival rate.At the same time,the morphology of cauda epididymal spermatozoa was also adversely affected by the treatment.In addition,the serumal androgen levels of treated animals weren't changed compared with the control group.Accordingly,matings with treated males resulted in no successful pregnancy.Then,we classified general functions of the down or up regulated epididymal genes by chlorhydrin with the GeneSpring gene ontology(GO)analysis,which are involved in macromolecular metabolism and transport,primary metabolism process,cell metabolism,biological process regulation,immunology regulation,ion combination,hydratase and oxidoreductase activity.Among all the different expressed genes,we analyzed and screened the down-regulated genes associated with glucose,lipid,protein and other energy metabolism,which are considered as the major ACH action targets.Simultaneously,the up-regulated genes by chlorhydrin were detected and their characters of negative regulated sperm maturation and fertility analyzed,which are apoptosis and immune-related genes and not reported before.Conclusions We established male infertile rat model with ACH(10 mg·kg-1·d-1,po,10 days)through evaluating changes of sperm motility and morphology,mating index,fertility index and pregnancy index.Simultaneously,the ACH didn't affect the major androgen(T and DHT)metabolism and sexual ability,which is considered as the best way for male contraception.Then we determined the down-regulated epididymal genes relation to substance metabolism,which can affect the epididymal sperm maturation and presumed the major antifertility targets by ACH.Further more,we found and analyzed the epididymal up-regulated genes associated with apoptosis and immune functions,which maybe the new possible sites of action by ACH and other male antifertility agents.
文摘Objective:To compare the prolactin, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, antisperm antibodies, tumor necrosis factorα, total antioxidant capacity, prostaglandin E2 and F2α between primary and secondary infertile women in Calabar.Methods:One hundred and two volunteers infertile women (test group), aged 20-45 years attending the infertility clinic in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) were recruited. Fourteen of the women had primary infertility while 88 of them had secondary infertility. Sixty apparently healthy, age matched women served as the control group. Five millilitres of blood was collected, allowed to clot and serum was obtained from the subjects and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay method was used for prolactin, progesterone, estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), prostaglandin E2and F2α, human TNF-α,Chlamydia trachomatis IgG, antisperm antibodies assay, while serum total antioxidant capacity was assessed spectrophotometrically.Results:The result shows on comparison that primary infertile women has a significantly higher level of progesterone than those with secondary infertility (P>0.05). There was a significant difference in the levels of prolactin and total antioxidant capacity in the primary and secondary infertility when compare to the control group atP>0.05. Their mean ages were (31.10±5.37) years and (33.10±4.91) years respectively. There was a positive correlation between TAC and FSH, TNF and anti-sperm anti-bodies in the test group ofr=0.207 andr=0.632;P>0.05 respectively.Conclusions: These findings suggest no alterations in levels of prostaglandin F2α, TNF and anti-oxidant between primary and secondary infertile females.
基金funded by University Grants Commission,India under the JRF(Junior Research Fellowship)scheme for Ph.D.Scholars.
文摘Objective:To bring out current evidence regarding psycho-social interventions for infertility care,and identify the best practices in clinical care.Methods:An in-depth literature review on infertility care intervention was conducted using data from multiple databases:PubMed,EMBASE,Google Scholar,and PsycINFO.The relevant articles selected were between 2008 and 2022.Results:A literature search turned up 1798 citations,of which 25 studies were included after rigorous analysis.Various intervention categories have been constantly utilised to provide support and promote mental health,of which acceptance and commitment therapy(ACT)and cognitive behaviour therapy(CBT)were used most frequently.The interventions exhibited diversity in both content and composition,and addressed a wide range of issues.Conclusions:The review emphasizes that psycho-social interventions have a positive effect on psychological issues,relationships,and pregnancies among couples and can be incorporated into fertility-care practices.
文摘Evaluation of infertility indicated for women failed to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse and for women over 35 years failed to conceive after 6 mo of unprotected intercourse, because the fertility decline as women approach 40 years. Evaluation of infertile couple should begin with semen analysis of male partner. If the semen analysis is within normal range, evaluation then move on to female partner. Evaluation of the infertile woman should be carried in cost-effective manner to identify the causes of infertility using the least invasive methods. Methods of evaluation of infertile women include: 1) history and physical examination;2) evaluation of the male partner;3) documentation of ovulation;4) evaluation of the ovarian reserve;5) evaluation of cervical causes of infertility;6) evaluation of uterine causes of infertility;7) documentation of the tubal patency;and 8) exclusion of peritoneal causes of infertility. Evaluation of infertile couple should include evaluation of both partners. Semen analysis for the male partner, followed by documentation of ovulation and evaluation of genital tract patency. PCT is not used as routine evaluation of infertile women. Laparoscopy is not used as routine evaluation of infertile women unless there is suspected peritoneal factors of infertility or endometriosis or tubal occlusion. Ovarian reserve should only be done for infertile women with diminished response to external gonadotropins (not routine).
文摘The diameters of spermatic veins and blood reflux in sixty-two male patients with infertility caused by varicocele were assessed with Doppler ultrasound in this study. Scrotal thermograph, testes volume and semen analysis were also applied to analysis of these patients. Among sixty-two patients, thirty-one received high ligation of internal spermatic vein. The results showed: 1. The diameter of spermatic veins was negatively correlated with fertility index and positively correlated with Doppler grading of blood reflux. 2. In operative patients, the effect of surgery was better in patients with blood reflux than in those without blood reflux. It was suggested the diameter of spermatic veins probably reflects the duration and serious degree of blood reflux in spermatic vein, and may be used for assessment of severity of male infertility in combination with semen analysis.
文摘There has been a growing interest over the past few years in the impact of male nutrition on fertility. Infertility has been linked to male overweight or obesity, and conventional semen parameter values seem to be altered in case of high body mass index （BMI）. A few studies assessing the impact of BMI on sperm DNA integrity have been published, but they did not lead to a strong consensus. Our objective was to explore further the relationship between sperm DNA integrity and BMI, through a 3-year multicentre study. Three hundred and thirty male partners in subfertile couples were included. Using the terminal uridine nick-end labelling （TUNEL） assay, we observed an increased rate of sDerm DNA damage in obese men （odds ratio （95% confidence interval）： 2.5 （1.2-5.1））.
文摘Aim： To investigate the prevalence of high levels of sperm DNA damage among men from infertile couples with both normal and abnormal standard semen parameters. Methods： A total of 350 men from infertile couples were assessed. Standard semen analysis and sperm chromatin structure assay （SCSA） were carried out. Results： Ninety-seven men （28% of the whole study group） had a DNA fragmentation index （DFI） 〉 20%, and 43 men （12%） had a DFI 〉 30%. In the group of men with abnormal semen parameters （n = 224）, 35% had a DFI 〉 20%, and 16% had a DFI 〉 30%, whereas these numbers were 15% and 5%, respectively, in the group of men with normal semen parameters （n = 126）. Men with low sperm motility and abnormal morphology had significantly higher odds ratios （ORs） for having a DFI 〉 20% （4.0 for motility and 1.9 for morphology） and DFI 〉 30% （6.2 for motility and 2.8 for morphology） compared with men with normal sperm motility and morphology. Conclusion： In almost one-third of unselected men from infertile couples, the DFI exceeded the level of 20% above which, according to previous studies, the in vivo fertility is reduced. A significant proportion of men with otherwise normal semen parameters also had high sperm DNA damage levels. Thus, the SCSA test could add to explaining causes of infertility in cases where semen analysis has not shown any deviation from the norm. We also recommend running the SCSA test to choose the appropriate assisted reproductive technique （ART）.
文摘This study was carried out to analyze the vertical transmission of Yq AZFc microdeletions from father to son in infertile Han Chinese families to investigate genetic factors and family background affecting fertility status.The peripheral blood of infertile males in 19 Han families was extracted and screened with modified multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR）. Family trees were drawn according to fertility status and clinical characteristics of the subjects. The vertical transmission of Yq AZFc microdeletions was detected in six cases of 19 investigated families （31.6%,6/19）. Although both fathers and sons showed a similar type of Yq AZFc deletion,the fathers were fertile,whereas the sons were infertile and showed severe oligozoospermia. The vertical transmission of Yq AZFc microdeletion from fertile fathers to infertile sons over generations is not rare. This has different effects on fertility status in fathers and sons in Han Chinese families. Both genetic factors and family background affect spermatogenetic phenotypes.
文摘The clinical management of men with nonobstructive azoospermia （NOA） seeking fertility has been a challenge for andrologists, urologists, and reproductive medicine specialists alike. This review presents a personal perspective on the clinical management of NOA, including the lessons learned over 15 years dealing with this male infertility condition. A five-consecutive-step algorithm is proposed to manage such patients. First, a differential diagnosis of azoospermia is made to confirm/establish that NOA is due to spermatogenic failure. Second, genetic testing is carried out not only to detect the males in whom NOA is caused by microdeletions of the long arm of the Y chromosome, but also to counsel the affected patients about their chances of having success in sperm retrieval. Third, it is determined whether any intervention prior to a surgical retrieval attempt may be used to increase sperm production. Fourth, the most effective and efficient retrieval method is selected to search for testicular sperm. Lastly, state-of-art laboratory techniques are applied in the handling of retrieved gametes and cultivating the embryos resulting from sperm injections. A coordinated multidisciplinary effort is key to offer the best possible chance of achieving a biological offspring to males with NOA.
文摘Aim： To investigate the possible causes of oligozoospermia and azoospermia in infertile Thai men, and to find the frequencies of Y chromosome microdeletions and cytogenetic abnormalities in this group. Methods： From June 2003 to November 2005, 50 azoospermic and 80 oligozoospermic men were enrolled in the study. A detailed history was taken for each man, followed by general and genital examinations. Y chromosome microdeletions were detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR） using 11 gene-specific primers that covered all three regions of the azoospermic factor （AZFa, AZFb and AZFc）. Fifty men with normal semen analysis were also studied. Karyotyping was done with the standard G- and Q-banding. Serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone （FSH）, luteinizing hormone （LH）, prolactin （PRL） and testosterone were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays （ECLIA）. Results： Azoospermia and oligozoospermia could be explained by previous orchitis in 22.3%, former bilateral cryptorchidism in 19.2%, abnormal karyotypes in 4.6% and Y chromosome microdeletions in 3.8% of the subjects. The most frequent deletions were in the AZFc region （50%）, followed by AZFb （33%） and AZFbc （17%）. No significant difference was detected in hormonal profiles of infertile men, with or without microdeletions. Conclusion： The frequencies of Y chromosome microdeletions and cytogenetic abnormalities in oligozoospermic and azoospermic Thai men are comparable with similarly infertile men from other Asian and Western countries.
文摘Aim： To develop a high-throughput multiplex, fast and simple assay to scan azoospermia factor （AZF） region microdeletions on the Y chromosome and establish the prevalence of Y chromosomal microdeletions in Chinese infertile males with azoospermia or oligozoospermia. Methods： In total, 178 infertile patients with azoospermia （nonobstructed）, 134 infertile patients with oligozoospermia as well as 40 fertile man controls were included in the present study. The samples were screened for AZF microdeletion using optimized multi-analyte suspension array （MASA） technology. Results： Of the 312 patients, 36 （11.5%） were found to have deletions in the AZF region. The rnicrodeletion frequency was 14% （25/178） in the azoospermia group and 8.2% （11/134） in the oligospermia group. Among 36 patients with microdeletions, 19 had deletions in the AZFc region, seven had deletions in AZFa and six had deletions in AZFb. In addition, four patients had both AZFb and AZFc deletions. No deletion in the AZF region was found in the 40 fertile controls. Conclusion： There is a high prevalence of Y chromosomal microdeletions in Chinese infertile males with azoospermia or oligozoospermia. The MASA technology, which has been established in the present study, provides a sensitive and high-throughput method for detecting the deletion of the Y chromosome. And the results suggest that genetic screening should be advised to infertile men before starting assisted reproductive treatments.
文摘Aim： To characterize the coexpression of survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis （IAF）, and human telomerase reverse transcriptase （hTERT） in human testes with varying spermatogenic function. Methods： Transcript levels of survivin mRNA and hTERT mRNA were determined in normal testes （n = 11） and testes with defective spermatogenesis （n = 28） using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. The histological work-up was performed according to a modified Johnsen score. Results： Expressions of both survivin and hTERT were highest at median levels of 96.8 and 709 in normal spermatogenesis and dropped to 53.3 and 534 in testes with postmeiotic spermatogenic arrest （n = 10）. In severe spermatogenic failure （n = 18）, survivin expression was lacking in most specimens （n = 16）, whereas at least low levels of testicular hTERT expression were largely detectable with a normalized expression of 73 in premeiotic spermatogenic arrest （n = 7） and 45 in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome （SCOS） （n = 3）. Both survivin and hTERT expressions increased with a progressing Johnsen score （P for trend = 0.001）. Conclusion： Although both survivin and hTERT are correlated with spermatogenic function, they show different expression patterns in testes of infertile patients. These findings substantiate results from studies in the rodent testis suggesting a predominant expression of survivin in meiotically dividing germ cells. （Asian J Andro12006 Jan; 8： 95-100）
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation No. 81400041 and No. 81871212the National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Fund Project No. 81400038cohort study project of the Peking University Third Hospital Y70545-04。
文摘Objective Prior pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB) on chest X-ray(CXR) was commonly found in infertile patients receiving examinations before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET). It was unclear whether untreated PTB would affect pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET.Method We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 14,254 infertile patients who had received IVFET at Peking University Third Hospital in 2017. Prior PTB was defined as the presence of signs suggestive of old or inactive PTB on CXR, with or without a clinical TB history. Patients who had prior PTB on CXR but had not received a clinical diagnosis and anti-TB therapy were included for analysis. Live birth,clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates were compared between the untreated PTB and non-PTB groups.Results The untreated PTB group had significantly lower clinical pregnancy(31.7% vs. 38.1%) and live birth(23.8% vs. 30.6%) rates than the non-PTB group(both P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that untreated PTB was a risk factor for decreased live birth rate [odds ratio(OR), 0.80;95% confidence interval(CI), 0.66–0.98;P = 0.028] in all patients and for increased miscarriage(OR, 4.19;95% CI,1.69–10.39;P = 0.002) and decreased live birth(OR, 0.45;95% CI, 0.24–0.83;P = 0.011) rates in patients with unexplained infertility.Conclusions Untreated PTB was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET, especially in patients with unexplained infertility, highlighting the clinical significance of PTB in this specific patient population.
文摘To study the major differences in the distribution of spermatozoa proteins in infertile men with varicocele by comparative proteomics and validation of their level of expression. The study-specific estimates for each varicocele outcome were combined to identify the proteins involved in varicocele-associated infertility in men irrespective of stage and laterality of their clinical varicocele. Expression levels of 5 key proteins （PKARIA, AK7, CCT6B, HSPA2, and ODF2） involved in stress response and sperm function including molecular chaperones were validated by Western blotting. Ninety-nine proteins were differentially expressed in the varicocele Eroup. Over 87% of the DEP involved in major energy metabolism and key sperm functions were underexpressed in the varicocele group. Key protein functions affected in the varicocele group were spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which were further validated by Western blotting, corroborating the proteomics analysis. Varicocele is essentially a state of energy deprivation, hypoxia, and hyperthermia due to impaired blood supply, which is corroborated by down-regulation of lipid metabolism, mitochondrial electron transport chain, and Krebs cycle enzymes. To corroborate the proteomic analysis, expression of the 5 identified proteins of interest was validated by Western blotting. This study contributes toward establishing a biomarker ＂fingerprint＂ to assess sperm quality on the basis of molecular parameters.
