In contrast to the conventional spermiogram, metabolomics approaches give insights into the molecular composition of semen and mayprovide more detailed information on the fertility status of the respective donor. Give...In contrast to the conventional spermiogram, metabolomics approaches give insights into the molecular composition of semen and mayprovide more detailed information on the fertility status of the respective donor. Given the intra-individual variability of spermiogramparameters between two donations, this study sought to elucidate the biological variability of the seminal plasma metabolome overan average period of 8 weeks. Two time-shifted semen samples from 15 healthy donors were compared by a targeted metabolomicsapproach utilizing the Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ p180 kit. Next to intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), which represent a measureof reliability, coefficients of variation within individuals(CVW) and coefficients of variation between individuals (CVB) were calculatedfor each metabolite to demonstrate its stability. Furthermore, men were divided into two cohorts, a similar sperm concentration(SSC) and a differing sperm concentration (DSC) cohort, based on the observed variance in sperm concentration between the twosemen donations. The ICC was higher in the SSC compared to the DSC cohort. The levels of 18 metabolites, primarily acylcarnitines,varied between the initial and subsequent donations. After subdivision into subgroups, only ornithine and phosphatidylcholine 40:5exhibited differential levels between the two donations in the SSC group, compared to 14 metabolites in the DSCgroup.CVBwashigher than CVW but both differed between the metabolite subclasses. Biogenic amines were identified as the least reliable analytesover time, exhibiting the highest CVW,compared to sphingomyelins, which demonstrated the highest reliability with the lowestvariation.CVB was the highest for ether-bound glycerophosphatidylcholines and the lowest for amino acids.展开更多
Objective Seminal vesiculitis is a prevalent infectious disease in the genitourinary system,but its intrinsic pathogenesis and molecular features remain unclear.Methods In this study,we utilized a next-generation sequ...Objective Seminal vesiculitis is a prevalent infectious disease in the genitourinary system,but its intrinsic pathogenesis and molecular features remain unclear.Methods In this study,we utilized a next-generation sequencing technology to demonstrate transcriptomic landscapes of clinical specimens from seminal vesiculitis patients.We identified enriched Go Ontology terms,pathway maps,processes,toxicity,and metabolic networks of seminal vesiculitis.Results Glutathione S-transferase activity is highly enriched,indicating its essential role in the disease's development.Furthermore,we established inflammation models of the seminal vesicle and verified the crucial function of glutathione S-transferase activity in these models.Conclusion Glutathione S-transferase serves an essential role in seminal vesiculitis patients.Our results shall provide a robust platform for further intensive studies of seminal vesiculitis.展开更多
Azoospermia, defined as a complete absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, is a relatively common condition among infertile men. Establishing the etiological diagnosis can be challenging and often requires various in...Azoospermia, defined as a complete absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, is a relatively common condition among infertile men. Establishing the etiological diagnosis can be challenging and often requires various investigations. This cross-sectional study, conducted in Cotonou among 35 azoospermic men, aimed to assess the role of biochemical analysis of seminal fluid in determining the etiological diagnosis. The results revealed significant heterogeneity in biochemical profiles. Most of the patients had normal levels of alpha-glucosidase, fructose, and zinc, indicating normal accessory gland function and suggesting non-obstructive azoospermia. However, a significant subgroup exhibited abnormalities in these markers, suggesting a possible obstructive azoospermia. The heterogeneity in biochemical profiles observed in this study highlights the need for further studies to better characterize azoospermia in Benin.展开更多
Male infertility affects 10-15%of couples globally,with azoospermia-complete absence of sperm-accounting for 15%of cases.Traditional diagnostic methods for azoospermia are subjective and variable.This study presents a...Male infertility affects 10-15%of couples globally,with azoospermia-complete absence of sperm-accounting for 15%of cases.Traditional diagnostic methods for azoospermia are subjective and variable.This study presents a novel,noninvasive,and accurate diagnostic method using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy(SERS)combined with machine learning to analyze seminal plasma exosomes.Semen samples from healthy controls(n=32)and azoospermic patients(n=22)were collected,and their exosomal SERS spectra were obtained.Machine learning algorithms were employed to distinguish between the SERS pro files of healthy and azoospermic samples,achieving an impressive sensitivity of 99.61%and a speci ficity of 99.58%,thereby highlighting signi ficant spectral differences.This integrated SERS and machine learning approach offers a sensitive,label-free,and objective diagnostic tool for early detection and monitoring of azoospermia,potentially enhancing clinical outcomes and patient management.展开更多
Circular RNAs(circRNAs)are key regulators of reproductive biology.However,limited information is available regarding circRNA expression profiles in seminal plasma samples from individuals with male infertility.The pre...Circular RNAs(circRNAs)are key regulators of reproductive biology.However,limited information is available regarding circRNA expression profiles in seminal plasma samples from individuals with male infertility.The present study aimed to identify circRNAs associated with infertility in seminal plasma samples and to clarify their potential as biomarkers,as well as the possible molecular mechanisms underlying their functions.Nextgeneration RNA sequencing was conducted to analyze circRNA profiles in seminal plasma from healthy controls,oligoasthenospermia(OAZ)patients,and non-obstructive azoospermia(NOA)patients.Bioinformatics analysis revealed that 637 circRNAs were differentially expressed between OAZ and control subjects,and 272 circRNAs were differentially expressed between NOA and control subjects.The expression of key circRNAs(hsa-SAP130_0002,hsa-TRPC1_0001,hsa-FBRS_0001,hsa-ACACA_0025,hsa-UTRN_0042,and hsa-ZNF532_0023)was then validated by qPCR,and their diagnostic accuracy for infertility was confirmed through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.Additionally,a possible circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed for these candidate biomarkers.Collectively,this study identifies a novel set of circRNAs with potential as diagnostic biomarkers for male infertility and provides molecular insights that may facilitate both diagnostic and therapeutic efforts.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of Phyllanthus(P.)amarus crude ethanol leaf extract and its effects on semen quality in male BALB/c mice.Methods:A total of 36 adult mice were divided into six groups,...Objective:To evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of Phyllanthus(P.)amarus crude ethanol leaf extract and its effects on semen quality in male BALB/c mice.Methods:A total of 36 adult mice were divided into six groups,with 6 mice each.Five groups were infected with Plasmodium(P.)berghei,and one group was left uninfeceted.Of the five infected groups,one group was left untreated,three groups were treated with varying doses(100,250 and 400 mg/kg)of P.amarus crude ethanol leaf extract orally for 4 days,and another group was treated with standard drug,artemether and lumefantrine(Lonart®DS).Antiplasmodial activity,seminal quality,some biochemical indices(neutral毩-glucosidase,fructose,and citric acid)in seminal plasma and seminal antioxidant markers(catalase,glutathione peroxidase,reduced glutathione,malondialdehyde,total antioxidant capacity,and acid phosphates)were determined.The mice were euthanized 3 days post treatment and semen was collected from the caudal epididymis and processed for analysis using documented methods and procedures.Results:Malarial infection led to oxidative stress,causing a significant decline in seminal quality(P<0.05).However,treatment with P.amarus crude ethanol leaf extract alleviated oxidative stress and significantly improved seminal quality.The improvement was dose-dependent and compared well with the standard drug,artemether and lumefantrine(Lonart®DS)treatment.Conclusions:The ethanol leaf extracts of P.amarus alleviate male reproductive capacity during malaria infection in murine model by enhancing antioxidant activities.展开更多
The diagnosis and treatment of hemospermia presents significant difficulty, especially if it persists or recurs. In this retrospective study, we assessed whether transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy is feasible and eff...The diagnosis and treatment of hemospermia presents significant difficulty, especially if it persists or recurs. In this retrospective study, we assessed whether transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy is feasible and effective in the diagnosis and treatment of hemospermia. To address this complex condition, we report our experience in a population of patients treated with transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy. From February 2006 to July 2008, 72 hemospermic patients underwent transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy examination and treatment at our urology center. Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy was performed by a 7-F or 8-F rigid ureteroscope. The endoscopic procedure was conducted through the normal anatomic route of the seminal tracts. In this series, the mean follow-up period was 21.7 months. Definite diagnosis was made for 93.1% patients, and 94.4% patients were cured or showed a decrease in their symptoms. Postoperative complications were not observed in the study. Our study proves that transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy is effective in the diagnosis and treatment of hemospermia with minimal complication.展开更多
In this experimental prospective study, we aimed to analyze the effect of transient scrotal hyperthermia on the male reproductive organs, from the perspective of sperm parameters, semen plasma biochemical markers, and...In this experimental prospective study, we aimed to analyze the effect of transient scrotal hyperthermia on the male reproductive organs, from the perspective of sperm parameters, semen plasma biochemical markers, and oxidative stress, to evaluate whether different frequencies of heat exposure cause different degrees of damage to spermatogenesis. Two groups of volunteers （10 per group） received testicular warming in a 43~C water bath 10 times, for 30 min each time： group 1：10 consecutive days; group 2： once every 3 days. Sperm parameters, epididymis and accessory sex gland function, semen plasma oxidative stress and serum sex hormones were tested before treatment and in the 16-week recovery period after treatment. At last, we found an obvious reversible decrease in sperm concentration （P = 0.005 for Group 1 and P = 0.008 for Group 2 when the minimums were compared with baseline levels, the same below）, motility （P= 0.009 and 0.021, respectively）, the hypoosmotic swelling test score （P-- 0.007 and 0.008, respectively）, total acrosin activity （P = 0.018 and 0.009, respectively）, and an increase in the seminal plasma malondialdehyde concentration （P = 0.005 and 0.017, respectively）. The decrease of sperm concentration was greater for Group 2 than for Group 1 （P = 0.031）. We concluded that transient scrotal hyperthermia seriously, but reversibly, negatively affected the spermatogenesis, oxidative stress may be involved in this process. In addition, intermittent heat exposure more seriously suppresses the spermatogenesis compared to consecutive heat exposure. This may be indicative for clinical infertility etiology analysis and the design of contraceptive methods based on heat stress.展开更多
The present review has been designed to update the recent developments on the function of seminal vesicles andtheir role on male fertility. It is indicated that the true corrected fructose level is a simple method for...The present review has been designed to update the recent developments on the function of seminal vesicles andtheir role on male fertility. It is indicated that the true corrected fructose level is a simple method for the assessment ofthe seminal vesicular function. Measurement of seminal fructose used universally as a marker of the seminal vesiclefunction is not an appropriate approach due to its inverse relationship with the sperm count. The true corrected fructosedefined as [log. motile sperm concentration] multiplied by [seminal fructose concentration] has been shown to be abetter marker of the seminal vesicle function. Seminal vesicular secretion is important for semen coagulation, sperm motility, and stability of sperm chromatinand suppression of the immune activity in the female reproductive tract. In conclusion, the function of seminal vesicle is important for fertility. Parameters as sperm motility, sperm chro-matin stability, and immuno-protection may be changed in case of its hypofunction. (Asian J Androl 2001 Dec; 3:251 -258)展开更多
Aim： To assess seminal plasma anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH） level relationships in fertile and infertile males. Methods： Eighty-four male cases were studied and divided into four groups： fertile normozoosperm...Aim： To assess seminal plasma anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH） level relationships in fertile and infertile males. Methods： Eighty-four male cases were studied and divided into four groups： fertile normozoospermia （n = 16）, oligoastheno- teratozoospermia （n = 15）, obstructive azoospermia （OA） （n = 13） and non-obstructive azoospermia （NOA） （n = 40）. Conventional semen analysis was done for all cases. Testicular biopsy was done with histopathology and fresh tissue examination for testicular sperm extraction （TESE） in NOA cases. NOA group was subdivided according to TESE results into unsuccessful TESE （n = 19） and successful TESE （n = 21）. Seminal plasma AMH was estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and serum follicular stimulating hormone （FSH） was estimated in NOA cases only by radioimmunoassay （RIA）. Results： Mean seminal AMH was significantly higher in fertile group than in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia with significance （41.5±10.9 pmol/L vs. 30.5±10.3 pmol/L, P 〈 0.05）. Seminal AMH was not detected in any OA patients. Seminal AMH wascorrelated positively with testicular volume （r = 0.329, P = 0.005）, sperm count （r = 0.483, P = 0.007）, sperm motility percent （r = 0.419, P = 0.021） and negatively with sperm abnormal forms percent （r = -0.413, p = 0.023）. Nonsignificant correlation was evident with age （r = -0.155, P = 0.414） and plasma FSH （ r = -0.014, P = 0.943）. In NOA cases, seminal AMH was detectable in 23/40 cases, 14 of them were successful TESE （57.5%） and was undetectable in 17/40 cases, 10 of them were unsuccessful TESE （58.2%）. Conclusion： Seminal plasma AMH is an absolute testicular marker being absent in all OA cases. However, seminal AMH has a poor predictability for successful testicular sperm retrieval in NOA cases.展开更多
We summarized our experience in transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy （TSV） for recurrent hemospermia by introducing surgical techniques, intraoperative findings, and treatment outcomes. TSV was performed in 419 patie...We summarized our experience in transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy （TSV） for recurrent hemospermia by introducing surgical techniques, intraoperative findings, and treatment outcomes. TSV was performed in 419 patients with an initial diagnosis of persistent hemospermia at Shanghai Changhai Hospital （Shanghai, China） from May 2007 to November 2015. TSV was successfully performed in 381 cases （90.9%）. Hemospermia was alleviated or disappeared in 324 （85.0%） patients by 3 months after surgery. Common intraoperative manifestations were bleeding, obstruction or stenosis, mucosal lesions, and calculus. Endoscopic presentation of the ejaculatory duct orifice and the verumontanum was categorized into four types, including 8 （1.9%）, 32 （7.6%）, 341 （81.4%）, and 38 （9.1%） cases in Types A, B, C, and D, respectively. TSV is an effective and safe procedure in the management of seminal tract disorders. This study may help other surgeons to become familiar with and improve this procedure. However, further multicentric clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings.展开更多
Aim： To assess the seminal characteristics as well as the sexual behavior of men of various age groups to establish the presence of an aging effect on those characteristics. Methods： Semen samples were collected fro...Aim： To assess the seminal characteristics as well as the sexual behavior of men of various age groups to establish the presence of an aging effect on those characteristics. Methods： Semen samples were collected from men （n = 792） undergoing in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination in cases of female factor infertility only. Samples were collected using a seminal collection device at intercourse and evaluated manually according to World Health Organization （WHO） standards. Men were divided into four groups according to their ages： （i） 20-30, （ii） 31-40, （iii） 41-50 and （iv） 51-60 years, and their seminal characteristics and responses to a sexual behavior questionnaire were compared. Results： The data showed statistically significant differences in the seminal characteristics tested, most notably in the sperm concentration, motility, grade of motility, hypo-osmotic swelling and normal sperm morphology. Furthermore, the decline in normal sperm morphology with age was more pronounced when using strict criteria rather than WHO standards. There were also differences in total sperm count, total motile sperm and total functional sperm fraction （assessed by both WHO and strict criteria）. Significant differences were also observed in the sexual behavior patterns in older men in terms of the number of years they have been trying to conceive, sexual frequency and sexual satisfaction. Conclusion： The data clearly illustrate an aging effect on semen characteristics and sexual behavior in men as they age. It is suggested that the aging effect be taken into consideration when proposing normal standard values for semen characteristics in routine semen analysis as outlined by WHO standards.展开更多
This study aimed to describe endoscopic anatomy of the seminal tract and summarize our experience of transutricular seminal vesiculoscopy(TSV)guided by rea卜time transrectal ultrasonography(TRUS)in managing persistent...This study aimed to describe endoscopic anatomy of the seminal tract and summarize our experience of transutricular seminal vesiculoscopy(TSV)guided by rea卜time transrectal ultrasonography(TRUS)in managing persistent hematospermia.A total of 281 consecutive patients with persistent hematospermia who underwent TSV with or without real-time TRUS were enrolled in this single-center,prospective,observational study.The median follow-up period was 36.5(range:8.0-97.5)months.TSV was successfully performed in 272(96.8%)patients.The approach of a 4.5/6 F rigid vesiculoscope entering the seminal tract was categorized into four types on the basis of endoscopic presentation of the ejaculatory duct orifice and verumontanum.Seven(2.6%),74(27.2%),64(23.5%),and 127(46.7%)patients had Types I(through the ejaculatory duct in the urethra),II(through the ejaculatory duct in the prostatic utricle),III(transutricular fenestration through a thin membrane),and IV(real-time transrectal ultrasound-guided transutricular fenestration)approach,respectively.In patients who successfully underwent surgery,bleeding occurred in the seminal vesicle in 249(91.5%)patients.Seminal vesiculitis,calculus in the prostatic utricle,calculus in the ejaculatory duct,calculus in the seminal vesicle,prostatic utricle cysts,and seminal vesicle cysts were observed in 213(78.3%),96(35.3%),22(8.1%),81(29.8%),25(9.2%),and 11(4.0%)patients,respectively.Hematospermia was alleviated or disappeared in 244(89.7%)patients 12 months after surgery.Fifteen patients had recurrent hematospermia,and the median time to recurrence was 7.5(range:2.0-18.5)months.TSV guided by TRUS may contribute to successful postoperative outcomes in managing persistent hematospermia.展开更多
Asthenozoospermia （AS） is a common cause of human male infertility. In one study, more than 80% of the samples from infertile men had reduced sperm motility. Seminal plasma is a mixture of secretions from the testis...Asthenozoospermia （AS） is a common cause of human male infertility. In one study, more than 80% of the samples from infertile men had reduced sperm motility. Seminal plasma is a mixture of secretions from the testis, epididymis and several male accessory glands, including the prostate, seminal vesicles and Cowper＇s gland. Studies have shown that seminal plasma contains proteins that are important for sperm motility. To further explore the pathophysiological character of AS, we separated the seminal plasma proteins from AS patients and healthy donors using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and in-gel digestion, and then subjected the proteins to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry （LC-MS/MS） analysis. A total of 741 proteins were identified in the seminal plasma, with a false discovery rate of 3.3%. Using spectral counting, we found that 45 proteins were threefold upregulated and 56 proteins were threefold downregulated in the AS group when compared with the control. Most of these proteins originated from the epididymis and prostate. This study identified a rich source of biomarker candidates for male infertility and indicates that functional abnormalities of the epididymis and prostate can contribute to AS. We identified D J-1--a protein that has been shown elsewhere to be involved in the control of oxidative stress （OS）-as a downregulated protein in AS seminal plasma. The levels of D J-1 in AS seminal plasma were about half of those in the control samples. In addition, the levels of reactive oxygen species were 3.3-fold higher in the AS samples than in the controls. Taken together, these data suggest that downregulation of DJ-1 is involved in OS in semen, and therefore affects the quality of the semen.展开更多
The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasound characteristics of the seminal vesicles （SVs） of infertile patients with diabetes mellitus （DM） and diabetic neuropathy （DN） and to investigate possible chang...The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasound characteristics of the seminal vesicles （SVs） of infertile patients with diabetes mellitus （DM） and diabetic neuropathy （DN） and to investigate possible changes in ultrasound characteristics related to glycaemic control. To accomplish this, 45 infertile patients with type 2 DM and symptomatic DN were selected. Twenty healthy fertile men and 20 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia without DM represented the control groups. DM patients were arbitrarily divided into three groups according to glycaemic control level （A=glycosylated haemoglobin 〈7%; B =glycosylated haemoglobin between 7% and 10%; C=glycosylated haemoglobin 〉 10%）. Patients underwent prostate-vesicular transrectal ultrasonography and sperm analysis. The following SV ultrasound parameters were recorded： （i） body antero-posterior diameter （APD）; （ii） fundus APD; （iii） parietal thicknesses of the right and left SVs; and （iv） the number of polycyclic areas within both SVs. We then calculated the following parameters： （i） fundus/body （F/B） ratio; （ii） difference of the parietal thickness between the right and the left SV; and （iii） pre- and post-ejaculatory APD difference. All DM patients had a higher FIB ratio compared to controls （P〈0.05）. Group C had a higher FIB ratio compared to the other DM groups （P〈0.05）. All DM patients had a lower pre- and post-ejaculatory difference of the body SV APD compared to controls （P〈0.05）. Groups A and B had a similar pre- and post-ejaculatory difference of the body SV APD, whereas this difference was lower in Group C （P〈0.05）. In conclusion, infertile DM patients with DN showed peculiar SV ultrasound features suggestive of functional atony, and low glycaemic control was associated with greater expression of these features.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the possible influences of HCV infection and relative antiviral treatment on seminal parameters and reproductive hormonal serum levels. METHODS： Ten male patients with HCV-related chronic hepatitis ...AIM： To evaluate the possible influences of HCV infection and relative antiviral treatment on seminal parameters and reproductive hormonal serum levels. METHODS： Ten male patients with HCV-related chronic hepatitis and 16 healthy male volunteers were studied. In all subjects seminal parameters （nemaspermic concentration, progressive motility, morphology） and hormonal levels were determined. Seminal parameters and inhibin B, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total and free testosterone, estradiol, prolactine in patients were measured after six and twelve months of antiviral combined （interferon ± ribavirin） treatment. RESULTS： Patients before treatment showed a significantly lower nemaspermic motility and morphology as well as lower inhibin B and free testosterone levels than controls. Inhibin B levels in cases were improved six and 12 mo after treatment in five responders （161.9 ± 52.8 pg/mL versus 101.7 ± 47.0 pg/mL and 143.4 ± 46.1 pg/ mL versus 95.4 ± 55.6 pg/mL, respectively）. Hormonal pattern of patients did not significantly change after treatment, with the exception of estradiol levels with an initial reduction and an overall subsequent increment （19.7 ± 6.4 pg/mL versus 13.6 ± 5.0 pg/mL versus 17.3 ± 5.7 pg/mL）. However in 1-year responders a significant increment of free testosterone （14.2 ± 2.54 pg/mL versus 17.1 ± 2.58 pg/mL） occurred. An impairment of nemaspermic morphology occurred, while other seminal parameters did not change significantly during antiviral treatment. CONCLUSION： Patients with HCV infection show worse spermatic parameters than controls, suggesting a possible negative influence of virus on spermatogenesis, with further mild impairment during antiviral treatment. However therapy could improve the spermatic function, as suggested by the increased inhibin B levels and improved hormonal pattern in responders. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary intriguing results.展开更多
Obstructive azoospermia （OA） is one of the most common causes of male infertility. Transrectal ultrasound （TRUS） has been used to diagnose OA for many years. From 2009 to 2013, we evaluated a prospective cohort of...Obstructive azoospermia （OA） is one of the most common causes of male infertility. Transrectal ultrasound （TRUS） has been used to diagnose OA for many years. From 2009 to 2013, we evaluated a prospective cohort of 1249 patients with suspected OA using TRUS. It was found that dilation of the ejaculatory duct （ED） （29.9%, 374/1249） was the most common cause of OA, followed by seminal vesicle （SV） abnormalities （28.5%, 356/1249）. A total of 237 patients were diagnosed with congenital defects （agenesis and/or hypoplasia） of the SV, constituting more than half of the cases of SV disease in OA （19.0%, 237/1249）. In contrast to ED, congenital defects of the SV could not be corrected with surgical treatment. Therefore, it is meaningful to compare TRUS and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） for accurate diagnosis of SV defects. Among our patients, 30 with agenesis or/and hypoplasia of the SV on TRUS were further evaluated using pelvic MRI within 2 years, with the objective of verifying the TRUS results. The concordance rate for diagnosing congenital defects of the SV was 73.3% （22/30）. We concluded that TRUS is a reliable and convenient method for diagnosing agenesis or hypoplasia of the SV in OA patients with a high concordance with MRI while MRI is useful in patients with inconclusive TRUS findings.展开更多
Myriad biological factors have been proposed to explain premature ejaculation （PE）. However, data correlating PE with seminal vesicles （SVs） are sparse. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the siz...Myriad biological factors have been proposed to explain premature ejaculation （PE）. However, data correlating PE with seminal vesicles （SVs） are sparse. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the size of SV and PE. The cross-sectional study included 44 outpatients with PE and 44 volunteers without PE, and the size of SV was compared. Self-estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time, the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool （PEDT）, the International Index of Erectile Function-15, and the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index were used for assessment of symptoms. Compared to the control group, the PE group had significantly higher mean anterior-posterior diameter （APD） of SV （P 〈 0.001）. The optimal mean APD of SV cutoff level was 9.25 mm for PE. In the PE group, PEDT was also higher with a mean APD of SV ≥9.25 mm compared with mean APD of SV 〈9.25 mm. PEDT was significantly correlated with the mean APD of SV （r = 0.326, P = 0.031）. The seminal plasma proteins were compared between six PE and six matched control cases by mass spectrometry and it was shown that 102 proteins were at least 1.5-fold up- or down-regulated. Among them, GGT1, LAMC1, and APP were significantly higher in the PE group. These results indicated that men with a larger mean APD of SV might have a higher PEDT score. Transrectal ultrasound of SV should be considered in the evaluation of patients with premature ejaculation. SV might be a potential target for the treatment of patients with PE and ultrasound change in SV.展开更多
Symptomatic seminal vesicle cysts （SVCs）, especially those of a large size, can be removed by surgical treatments. Currently, open surgeries for SVC are rarely performed due to their extensive surgical trauma, and m...Symptomatic seminal vesicle cysts （SVCs）, especially those of a large size, can be removed by surgical treatments. Currently, open surgeries for SVC are rarely performed due to their extensive surgical trauma, and minimally invasive surgical therapies for treating seminal vesicle cysts are still in the early stages. In addition, relevant studies are mostly confined to case reports. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 53 patients who had received transperitoneal laparoscopic unroofing or fenestration under seminal vesiculoscopy for SVC in our institution. Both surgeries decreased the cyst volume to a significant extent; however, according to the remnant lesion size after rechecking images, seminal vesiculoscopic fenestration tended to have a higher recurrence than laparoscopic unroofing. Regarding complications, two individuals in the laparoscopic unroofing group experienced ureteral injury and rectal injury, while patients in the fenestration group only had temporary hemospermia, which indicates that fenestration surgery tends to have less severe complications than laparoscopic unroofing. There was no solid evidence confirming semen improvement after these surgical therapies in our study. Future studies with a prospective design, larger sample size, and longer follow-up period are required to verify and further explore our findings.展开更多
Congenital agenesis of the seminal vesicle （CASV） is frequently associated with congenital absence of the vas deferens （CAVD） or ipsilateral congenital vasoureteral communication. We reported two cases of a rare c...Congenital agenesis of the seminal vesicle （CASV） is frequently associated with congenital absence of the vas deferens （CAVD） or ipsilateral congenital vasoureteral communication. We reported two cases of a rare condition that the vas deferens open ectopically into Mullerian duct cyst associated with agenesis of the ipsilateral seminal vesicle. The diagnosis was confirmed by vasography. Transurethral unroofing of the Mullerian duct cyst was performed in both patients with favourable results, however, assisted reproductive technology （ART） was still necessary for them to father children.展开更多
文摘In contrast to the conventional spermiogram, metabolomics approaches give insights into the molecular composition of semen and mayprovide more detailed information on the fertility status of the respective donor. Given the intra-individual variability of spermiogramparameters between two donations, this study sought to elucidate the biological variability of the seminal plasma metabolome overan average period of 8 weeks. Two time-shifted semen samples from 15 healthy donors were compared by a targeted metabolomicsapproach utilizing the Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ p180 kit. Next to intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), which represent a measureof reliability, coefficients of variation within individuals(CVW) and coefficients of variation between individuals (CVB) were calculatedfor each metabolite to demonstrate its stability. Furthermore, men were divided into two cohorts, a similar sperm concentration(SSC) and a differing sperm concentration (DSC) cohort, based on the observed variance in sperm concentration between the twosemen donations. The ICC was higher in the SSC compared to the DSC cohort. The levels of 18 metabolites, primarily acylcarnitines,varied between the initial and subsequent donations. After subdivision into subgroups, only ornithine and phosphatidylcholine 40:5exhibited differential levels between the two donations in the SSC group, compared to 14 metabolites in the DSCgroup.CVBwashigher than CVW but both differed between the metabolite subclasses. Biogenic amines were identified as the least reliable analytesover time, exhibiting the highest CVW,compared to sphingomyelins, which demonstrated the highest reliability with the lowestvariation.CVB was the highest for ether-bound glycerophosphatidylcholines and the lowest for amino acids.
基金supported by the Six Talent Peak Project of High-level Talents in Jiangsu Province (No. WSW-017 to Liu B)Medical research key project of Jiangsu Provincial Health Commission (No. K2023030 to Liu B)+1 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82203115 to Miao C), Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (No. BK20220726 to Miao C)Jiangsu Province Capability Improvement Project through Science, Technology and Education (No. ZDXK202219 to Wang Z).
文摘Objective Seminal vesiculitis is a prevalent infectious disease in the genitourinary system,but its intrinsic pathogenesis and molecular features remain unclear.Methods In this study,we utilized a next-generation sequencing technology to demonstrate transcriptomic landscapes of clinical specimens from seminal vesiculitis patients.We identified enriched Go Ontology terms,pathway maps,processes,toxicity,and metabolic networks of seminal vesiculitis.Results Glutathione S-transferase activity is highly enriched,indicating its essential role in the disease's development.Furthermore,we established inflammation models of the seminal vesicle and verified the crucial function of glutathione S-transferase activity in these models.Conclusion Glutathione S-transferase serves an essential role in seminal vesiculitis patients.Our results shall provide a robust platform for further intensive studies of seminal vesiculitis.
文摘Azoospermia, defined as a complete absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, is a relatively common condition among infertile men. Establishing the etiological diagnosis can be challenging and often requires various investigations. This cross-sectional study, conducted in Cotonou among 35 azoospermic men, aimed to assess the role of biochemical analysis of seminal fluid in determining the etiological diagnosis. The results revealed significant heterogeneity in biochemical profiles. Most of the patients had normal levels of alpha-glucosidase, fructose, and zinc, indicating normal accessory gland function and suggesting non-obstructive azoospermia. However, a significant subgroup exhibited abnormalities in these markers, suggesting a possible obstructive azoospermia. The heterogeneity in biochemical profiles observed in this study highlights the need for further studies to better characterize azoospermia in Benin.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.62275049)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province,China(No.2022J02024)the Fujian Province Joint Fund Project for Scientific and Technological Innovation(2023Y9383).
文摘Male infertility affects 10-15%of couples globally,with azoospermia-complete absence of sperm-accounting for 15%of cases.Traditional diagnostic methods for azoospermia are subjective and variable.This study presents a novel,noninvasive,and accurate diagnostic method using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy(SERS)combined with machine learning to analyze seminal plasma exosomes.Semen samples from healthy controls(n=32)and azoospermic patients(n=22)were collected,and their exosomal SERS spectra were obtained.Machine learning algorithms were employed to distinguish between the SERS pro files of healthy and azoospermic samples,achieving an impressive sensitivity of 99.61%and a speci ficity of 99.58%,thereby highlighting signi ficant spectral differences.This integrated SERS and machine learning approach offers a sensitive,label-free,and objective diagnostic tool for early detection and monitoring of azoospermia,potentially enhancing clinical outcomes and patient management.
基金funded by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2022YFC2702800 to Y.C.)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.82122025 to Y.Y.)the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2021YFC2700200 to Y.C.).
文摘Circular RNAs(circRNAs)are key regulators of reproductive biology.However,limited information is available regarding circRNA expression profiles in seminal plasma samples from individuals with male infertility.The present study aimed to identify circRNAs associated with infertility in seminal plasma samples and to clarify their potential as biomarkers,as well as the possible molecular mechanisms underlying their functions.Nextgeneration RNA sequencing was conducted to analyze circRNA profiles in seminal plasma from healthy controls,oligoasthenospermia(OAZ)patients,and non-obstructive azoospermia(NOA)patients.Bioinformatics analysis revealed that 637 circRNAs were differentially expressed between OAZ and control subjects,and 272 circRNAs were differentially expressed between NOA and control subjects.The expression of key circRNAs(hsa-SAP130_0002,hsa-TRPC1_0001,hsa-FBRS_0001,hsa-ACACA_0025,hsa-UTRN_0042,and hsa-ZNF532_0023)was then validated by qPCR,and their diagnostic accuracy for infertility was confirmed through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.Additionally,a possible circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed for these candidate biomarkers.Collectively,this study identifies a novel set of circRNAs with potential as diagnostic biomarkers for male infertility and provides molecular insights that may facilitate both diagnostic and therapeutic efforts.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of Phyllanthus(P.)amarus crude ethanol leaf extract and its effects on semen quality in male BALB/c mice.Methods:A total of 36 adult mice were divided into six groups,with 6 mice each.Five groups were infected with Plasmodium(P.)berghei,and one group was left uninfeceted.Of the five infected groups,one group was left untreated,three groups were treated with varying doses(100,250 and 400 mg/kg)of P.amarus crude ethanol leaf extract orally for 4 days,and another group was treated with standard drug,artemether and lumefantrine(Lonart®DS).Antiplasmodial activity,seminal quality,some biochemical indices(neutral毩-glucosidase,fructose,and citric acid)in seminal plasma and seminal antioxidant markers(catalase,glutathione peroxidase,reduced glutathione,malondialdehyde,total antioxidant capacity,and acid phosphates)were determined.The mice were euthanized 3 days post treatment and semen was collected from the caudal epididymis and processed for analysis using documented methods and procedures.Results:Malarial infection led to oxidative stress,causing a significant decline in seminal quality(P<0.05).However,treatment with P.amarus crude ethanol leaf extract alleviated oxidative stress and significantly improved seminal quality.The improvement was dose-dependent and compared well with the standard drug,artemether and lumefantrine(Lonart®DS)treatment.Conclusions:The ethanol leaf extracts of P.amarus alleviate male reproductive capacity during malaria infection in murine model by enhancing antioxidant activities.
文摘The diagnosis and treatment of hemospermia presents significant difficulty, especially if it persists or recurs. In this retrospective study, we assessed whether transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy is feasible and effective in the diagnosis and treatment of hemospermia. To address this complex condition, we report our experience in a population of patients treated with transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy. From February 2006 to July 2008, 72 hemospermic patients underwent transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy examination and treatment at our urology center. Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy was performed by a 7-F or 8-F rigid ureteroscope. The endoscopic procedure was conducted through the normal anatomic route of the seminal tracts. In this series, the mean follow-up period was 21.7 months. Definite diagnosis was made for 93.1% patients, and 94.4% patients were cured or showed a decrease in their symptoms. Postoperative complications were not observed in the study. Our study proves that transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy is effective in the diagnosis and treatment of hemospermia with minimal complication.
基金ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This study was supported by the National Science and Technology Support Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology （No. 2012BAI31B08）, the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 31171380）.
文摘In this experimental prospective study, we aimed to analyze the effect of transient scrotal hyperthermia on the male reproductive organs, from the perspective of sperm parameters, semen plasma biochemical markers, and oxidative stress, to evaluate whether different frequencies of heat exposure cause different degrees of damage to spermatogenesis. Two groups of volunteers （10 per group） received testicular warming in a 43~C water bath 10 times, for 30 min each time： group 1：10 consecutive days; group 2： once every 3 days. Sperm parameters, epididymis and accessory sex gland function, semen plasma oxidative stress and serum sex hormones were tested before treatment and in the 16-week recovery period after treatment. At last, we found an obvious reversible decrease in sperm concentration （P = 0.005 for Group 1 and P = 0.008 for Group 2 when the minimums were compared with baseline levels, the same below）, motility （P= 0.009 and 0.021, respectively）, the hypoosmotic swelling test score （P-- 0.007 and 0.008, respectively）, total acrosin activity （P = 0.018 and 0.009, respectively）, and an increase in the seminal plasma malondialdehyde concentration （P = 0.005 and 0.017, respectively）. The decrease of sperm concentration was greater for Group 2 than for Group 1 （P = 0.031）. We concluded that transient scrotal hyperthermia seriously, but reversibly, negatively affected the spermatogenesis, oxidative stress may be involved in this process. In addition, intermittent heat exposure more seriously suppresses the spermatogenesis compared to consecutive heat exposure. This may be indicative for clinical infertility etiology analysis and the design of contraceptive methods based on heat stress.
文摘The present review has been designed to update the recent developments on the function of seminal vesicles andtheir role on male fertility. It is indicated that the true corrected fructose level is a simple method for the assessment ofthe seminal vesicular function. Measurement of seminal fructose used universally as a marker of the seminal vesiclefunction is not an appropriate approach due to its inverse relationship with the sperm count. The true corrected fructosedefined as [log. motile sperm concentration] multiplied by [seminal fructose concentration] has been shown to be abetter marker of the seminal vesicle function. Seminal vesicular secretion is important for semen coagulation, sperm motility, and stability of sperm chromatinand suppression of the immune activity in the female reproductive tract. In conclusion, the function of seminal vesicle is important for fertility. Parameters as sperm motility, sperm chro-matin stability, and immuno-protection may be changed in case of its hypofunction. (Asian J Androl 2001 Dec; 3:251 -258)
文摘Aim： To assess seminal plasma anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH） level relationships in fertile and infertile males. Methods： Eighty-four male cases were studied and divided into four groups： fertile normozoospermia （n = 16）, oligoastheno- teratozoospermia （n = 15）, obstructive azoospermia （OA） （n = 13） and non-obstructive azoospermia （NOA） （n = 40）. Conventional semen analysis was done for all cases. Testicular biopsy was done with histopathology and fresh tissue examination for testicular sperm extraction （TESE） in NOA cases. NOA group was subdivided according to TESE results into unsuccessful TESE （n = 19） and successful TESE （n = 21）. Seminal plasma AMH was estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and serum follicular stimulating hormone （FSH） was estimated in NOA cases only by radioimmunoassay （RIA）. Results： Mean seminal AMH was significantly higher in fertile group than in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia with significance （41.5±10.9 pmol/L vs. 30.5±10.3 pmol/L, P 〈 0.05）. Seminal AMH was not detected in any OA patients. Seminal AMH wascorrelated positively with testicular volume （r = 0.329, P = 0.005）, sperm count （r = 0.483, P = 0.007）, sperm motility percent （r = 0.419, P = 0.021） and negatively with sperm abnormal forms percent （r = -0.413, p = 0.023）. Nonsignificant correlation was evident with age （r = -0.155, P = 0.414） and plasma FSH （ r = -0.014, P = 0.943）. In NOA cases, seminal AMH was detectable in 23/40 cases, 14 of them were successful TESE （57.5%） and was undetectable in 17/40 cases, 10 of them were unsuccessful TESE （58.2%）. Conclusion： Seminal plasma AMH is an absolute testicular marker being absent in all OA cases. However, seminal AMH has a poor predictability for successful testicular sperm retrieval in NOA cases.
文摘We summarized our experience in transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy （TSV） for recurrent hemospermia by introducing surgical techniques, intraoperative findings, and treatment outcomes. TSV was performed in 419 patients with an initial diagnosis of persistent hemospermia at Shanghai Changhai Hospital （Shanghai, China） from May 2007 to November 2015. TSV was successfully performed in 381 cases （90.9%）. Hemospermia was alleviated or disappeared in 324 （85.0%） patients by 3 months after surgery. Common intraoperative manifestations were bleeding, obstruction or stenosis, mucosal lesions, and calculus. Endoscopic presentation of the ejaculatory duct orifice and the verumontanum was categorized into four types, including 8 （1.9%）, 32 （7.6%）, 341 （81.4%）, and 38 （9.1%） cases in Types A, B, C, and D, respectively. TSV is an effective and safe procedure in the management of seminal tract disorders. This study may help other surgeons to become familiar with and improve this procedure. However, further multicentric clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings.
文摘Aim： To assess the seminal characteristics as well as the sexual behavior of men of various age groups to establish the presence of an aging effect on those characteristics. Methods： Semen samples were collected from men （n = 792） undergoing in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination in cases of female factor infertility only. Samples were collected using a seminal collection device at intercourse and evaluated manually according to World Health Organization （WHO） standards. Men were divided into four groups according to their ages： （i） 20-30, （ii） 31-40, （iii） 41-50 and （iv） 51-60 years, and their seminal characteristics and responses to a sexual behavior questionnaire were compared. Results： The data showed statistically significant differences in the seminal characteristics tested, most notably in the sperm concentration, motility, grade of motility, hypo-osmotic swelling and normal sperm morphology. Furthermore, the decline in normal sperm morphology with age was more pronounced when using strict criteria rather than WHO standards. There were also differences in total sperm count, total motile sperm and total functional sperm fraction （assessed by both WHO and strict criteria）. Significant differences were also observed in the sexual behavior patterns in older men in terms of the number of years they have been trying to conceive, sexual frequency and sexual satisfaction. Conclusion： The data clearly illustrate an aging effect on semen characteristics and sexual behavior in men as they age. It is suggested that the aging effect be taken into consideration when proposing normal standard values for semen characteristics in routine semen analysis as outlined by WHO standards.
基金the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81670625)Shandong Province Natural Science Foundation-Doctoral Fund(No.ZR2017BH104)Shandong Province Natural Science Foundation-Surface Project(No.ZR2018MH006).
文摘This study aimed to describe endoscopic anatomy of the seminal tract and summarize our experience of transutricular seminal vesiculoscopy(TSV)guided by rea卜time transrectal ultrasonography(TRUS)in managing persistent hematospermia.A total of 281 consecutive patients with persistent hematospermia who underwent TSV with or without real-time TRUS were enrolled in this single-center,prospective,observational study.The median follow-up period was 36.5(range:8.0-97.5)months.TSV was successfully performed in 272(96.8%)patients.The approach of a 4.5/6 F rigid vesiculoscope entering the seminal tract was categorized into four types on the basis of endoscopic presentation of the ejaculatory duct orifice and verumontanum.Seven(2.6%),74(27.2%),64(23.5%),and 127(46.7%)patients had Types I(through the ejaculatory duct in the urethra),II(through the ejaculatory duct in the prostatic utricle),III(transutricular fenestration through a thin membrane),and IV(real-time transrectal ultrasound-guided transutricular fenestration)approach,respectively.In patients who successfully underwent surgery,bleeding occurred in the seminal vesicle in 249(91.5%)patients.Seminal vesiculitis,calculus in the prostatic utricle,calculus in the ejaculatory duct,calculus in the seminal vesicle,prostatic utricle cysts,and seminal vesicle cysts were observed in 213(78.3%),96(35.3%),22(8.1%),81(29.8%),25(9.2%),and 11(4.0%)patients,respectively.Hematospermia was alleviated or disappeared in 244(89.7%)patients 12 months after surgery.Fifteen patients had recurrent hematospermia,and the median time to recurrence was 7.5(range:2.0-18.5)months.TSV guided by TRUS may contribute to successful postoperative outcomes in managing persistent hematospermia.
文摘Asthenozoospermia （AS） is a common cause of human male infertility. In one study, more than 80% of the samples from infertile men had reduced sperm motility. Seminal plasma is a mixture of secretions from the testis, epididymis and several male accessory glands, including the prostate, seminal vesicles and Cowper＇s gland. Studies have shown that seminal plasma contains proteins that are important for sperm motility. To further explore the pathophysiological character of AS, we separated the seminal plasma proteins from AS patients and healthy donors using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and in-gel digestion, and then subjected the proteins to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry （LC-MS/MS） analysis. A total of 741 proteins were identified in the seminal plasma, with a false discovery rate of 3.3%. Using spectral counting, we found that 45 proteins were threefold upregulated and 56 proteins were threefold downregulated in the AS group when compared with the control. Most of these proteins originated from the epididymis and prostate. This study identified a rich source of biomarker candidates for male infertility and indicates that functional abnormalities of the epididymis and prostate can contribute to AS. We identified D J-1--a protein that has been shown elsewhere to be involved in the control of oxidative stress （OS）-as a downregulated protein in AS seminal plasma. The levels of D J-1 in AS seminal plasma were about half of those in the control samples. In addition, the levels of reactive oxygen species were 3.3-fold higher in the AS samples than in the controls. Taken together, these data suggest that downregulation of DJ-1 is involved in OS in semen, and therefore affects the quality of the semen.
文摘The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasound characteristics of the seminal vesicles （SVs） of infertile patients with diabetes mellitus （DM） and diabetic neuropathy （DN） and to investigate possible changes in ultrasound characteristics related to glycaemic control. To accomplish this, 45 infertile patients with type 2 DM and symptomatic DN were selected. Twenty healthy fertile men and 20 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia without DM represented the control groups. DM patients were arbitrarily divided into three groups according to glycaemic control level （A=glycosylated haemoglobin 〈7%; B =glycosylated haemoglobin between 7% and 10%; C=glycosylated haemoglobin 〉 10%）. Patients underwent prostate-vesicular transrectal ultrasonography and sperm analysis. The following SV ultrasound parameters were recorded： （i） body antero-posterior diameter （APD）; （ii） fundus APD; （iii） parietal thicknesses of the right and left SVs; and （iv） the number of polycyclic areas within both SVs. We then calculated the following parameters： （i） fundus/body （F/B） ratio; （ii） difference of the parietal thickness between the right and the left SV; and （iii） pre- and post-ejaculatory APD difference. All DM patients had a higher FIB ratio compared to controls （P〈0.05）. Group C had a higher FIB ratio compared to the other DM groups （P〈0.05）. All DM patients had a lower pre- and post-ejaculatory difference of the body SV APD compared to controls （P〈0.05）. Groups A and B had a similar pre- and post-ejaculatory difference of the body SV APD, whereas this difference was lower in Group C （P〈0.05）. In conclusion, infertile DM patients with DN showed peculiar SV ultrasound features suggestive of functional atony, and low glycaemic control was associated with greater expression of these features.
文摘AIM： To evaluate the possible influences of HCV infection and relative antiviral treatment on seminal parameters and reproductive hormonal serum levels. METHODS： Ten male patients with HCV-related chronic hepatitis and 16 healthy male volunteers were studied. In all subjects seminal parameters （nemaspermic concentration, progressive motility, morphology） and hormonal levels were determined. Seminal parameters and inhibin B, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total and free testosterone, estradiol, prolactine in patients were measured after six and twelve months of antiviral combined （interferon ± ribavirin） treatment. RESULTS： Patients before treatment showed a significantly lower nemaspermic motility and morphology as well as lower inhibin B and free testosterone levels than controls. Inhibin B levels in cases were improved six and 12 mo after treatment in five responders （161.9 ± 52.8 pg/mL versus 101.7 ± 47.0 pg/mL and 143.4 ± 46.1 pg/ mL versus 95.4 ± 55.6 pg/mL, respectively）. Hormonal pattern of patients did not significantly change after treatment, with the exception of estradiol levels with an initial reduction and an overall subsequent increment （19.7 ± 6.4 pg/mL versus 13.6 ± 5.0 pg/mL versus 17.3 ± 5.7 pg/mL）. However in 1-year responders a significant increment of free testosterone （14.2 ± 2.54 pg/mL versus 17.1 ± 2.58 pg/mL） occurred. An impairment of nemaspermic morphology occurred, while other seminal parameters did not change significantly during antiviral treatment. CONCLUSION： Patients with HCV infection show worse spermatic parameters than controls, suggesting a possible negative influence of virus on spermatogenesis, with further mild impairment during antiviral treatment. However therapy could improve the spermatic function, as suggested by the increased inhibin B levels and improved hormonal pattern in responders. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary intriguing results.
文摘Obstructive azoospermia （OA） is one of the most common causes of male infertility. Transrectal ultrasound （TRUS） has been used to diagnose OA for many years. From 2009 to 2013, we evaluated a prospective cohort of 1249 patients with suspected OA using TRUS. It was found that dilation of the ejaculatory duct （ED） （29.9%, 374/1249） was the most common cause of OA, followed by seminal vesicle （SV） abnormalities （28.5%, 356/1249）. A total of 237 patients were diagnosed with congenital defects （agenesis and/or hypoplasia） of the SV, constituting more than half of the cases of SV disease in OA （19.0%, 237/1249）. In contrast to ED, congenital defects of the SV could not be corrected with surgical treatment. Therefore, it is meaningful to compare TRUS and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） for accurate diagnosis of SV defects. Among our patients, 30 with agenesis or/and hypoplasia of the SV on TRUS were further evaluated using pelvic MRI within 2 years, with the objective of verifying the TRUS results. The concordance rate for diagnosing congenital defects of the SV was 73.3% （22/30）. We concluded that TRUS is a reliable and convenient method for diagnosing agenesis or hypoplasia of the SV in OA patients with a high concordance with MRI while MRI is useful in patients with inconclusive TRUS findings.
文摘Myriad biological factors have been proposed to explain premature ejaculation （PE）. However, data correlating PE with seminal vesicles （SVs） are sparse. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the size of SV and PE. The cross-sectional study included 44 outpatients with PE and 44 volunteers without PE, and the size of SV was compared. Self-estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time, the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool （PEDT）, the International Index of Erectile Function-15, and the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index were used for assessment of symptoms. Compared to the control group, the PE group had significantly higher mean anterior-posterior diameter （APD） of SV （P 〈 0.001）. The optimal mean APD of SV cutoff level was 9.25 mm for PE. In the PE group, PEDT was also higher with a mean APD of SV ≥9.25 mm compared with mean APD of SV 〈9.25 mm. PEDT was significantly correlated with the mean APD of SV （r = 0.326, P = 0.031）. The seminal plasma proteins were compared between six PE and six matched control cases by mass spectrometry and it was shown that 102 proteins were at least 1.5-fold up- or down-regulated. Among them, GGT1, LAMC1, and APP were significantly higher in the PE group. These results indicated that men with a larger mean APD of SV might have a higher PEDT score. Transrectal ultrasound of SV should be considered in the evaluation of patients with premature ejaculation. SV might be a potential target for the treatment of patients with PE and ultrasound change in SV.
基金This research was supported by the Program （81570627） of the Natural Science Foundation of China （NSFC）.
文摘Symptomatic seminal vesicle cysts （SVCs）, especially those of a large size, can be removed by surgical treatments. Currently, open surgeries for SVC are rarely performed due to their extensive surgical trauma, and minimally invasive surgical therapies for treating seminal vesicle cysts are still in the early stages. In addition, relevant studies are mostly confined to case reports. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 53 patients who had received transperitoneal laparoscopic unroofing or fenestration under seminal vesiculoscopy for SVC in our institution. Both surgeries decreased the cyst volume to a significant extent; however, according to the remnant lesion size after rechecking images, seminal vesiculoscopic fenestration tended to have a higher recurrence than laparoscopic unroofing. Regarding complications, two individuals in the laparoscopic unroofing group experienced ureteral injury and rectal injury, while patients in the fenestration group only had temporary hemospermia, which indicates that fenestration surgery tends to have less severe complications than laparoscopic unroofing. There was no solid evidence confirming semen improvement after these surgical therapies in our study. Future studies with a prospective design, larger sample size, and longer follow-up period are required to verify and further explore our findings.
文摘Congenital agenesis of the seminal vesicle （CASV） is frequently associated with congenital absence of the vas deferens （CAVD） or ipsilateral congenital vasoureteral communication. We reported two cases of a rare condition that the vas deferens open ectopically into Mullerian duct cyst associated with agenesis of the ipsilateral seminal vesicle. The diagnosis was confirmed by vasography. Transurethral unroofing of the Mullerian duct cyst was performed in both patients with favourable results, however, assisted reproductive technology （ART） was still necessary for them to father children.
