Acupuncture is an important method of treatment in Chinese medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture as an adjuvant treatment for unexplained infertility. Here we conducted a pr...Acupuncture is an important method of treatment in Chinese medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture as an adjuvant treatment for unexplained infertility. Here we conducted a prospective study, with data consisting of acupuncture group (38 cases) and control group (42 cases). Infertility evaluation workup consisted of semen analysis, ovulation assessment, hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and blood analysis. The patients in acupuncture group received 3 acupuncture sessions, and each at seven acupuncture points (EX-CA1, CV4, CV6, SP10, ST36, SP6, and KI3). The session started 12 days before menstruation and continued for 10 days. The patients in control group did not receive acupuncture. All patients tried 1 - 3 natural cycles 3 months after HSG test, if not pregnant, underwent 1 - 3 cycles of control ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and timed intercourse. Pregnancy was evaluated by measurement of blood β human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) and subsequent trans-vaginal ultrasound. No significant difference of clinical pregnancy rate was found between the acupuncture group and the control group, however, numbers of COH cycles were significantly less and more pregnancies occurred in natural cycle in the acupuncture group. We concluded that acupuncture can be used as an adjuvant treatment for unexplained infertility. Although acupuncture did not increase the cumulative pregnancy rate, it decreased the number of COH cycles and more patients got pregnant in natural cycles after receiving acupuncture.展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong> Although semen analysis is a basic method to evaluate male fertility, there was a certain deviation between the semen examination and the actual situation in clinical applicati...<strong>Background:</strong> Although semen analysis is a basic method to evaluate male fertility, there was a certain deviation between the semen examination and the actual situation in clinical application. <strong>Objective:</strong> To evaluate the application value of semen examination items in the diagnosis of male infertility. <strong>Method:</strong> Males recruited from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from June 2017 to December 2018 were divided into three groups: normal fertility group, physical examination group (premarital physical examination), and male infertility group. Each group received the following examination such as semen analysis (including semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility, round cell concentration), acrosin activity, and sperm morphology. All the semen analysis items mentioned above were operated according to the <em>WHO laboratory manual for the examination and procession of human semen</em> (<em>Fifth edition</em>) and related documents. <strong>Results:</strong> The normal fertility group and physical examination group showed significantly higher levels in sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility, and sperm morphology than those in the male infertility group (<em>P</em> < 0.05);both the normal fertility group and the physical examination group have a higher qualified rate in sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility and sperm morphology than the male infertility group, all <em>P</em> < 0.001. The percentage of patients having all qualified items in each group was 28.13%, 6.67%, and 6.51% separately. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The diagnosis efficiency was higher in sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility, and sperm morphology than in other semen examination items. A more objective and efficient method of semen examination should be explored to facilitate the diagnoses of male infertility in the future.展开更多
Twenty-four-month-old male C57BU6 mice with low serum testosterone levels were used as a late-onset hypogonadism （LOH） animal model for examining the effects of velvet antler polypeptide （VAP） on sexual function a...Twenty-four-month-old male C57BU6 mice with low serum testosterone levels were used as a late-onset hypogonadism （LOH） animal model for examining the effects of velvet antler polypeptide （VAP） on sexual function and testosterone synthesis. These mice received VAP for 5 consecutive weeks by daily gavage at doses of 100, 200, or 300 mg kg-1 body weight per day （n = 10 mice per dose）. Control animals （n = 10） received the same weight-based volume of vehicle. Sexual behavior and testosterone levels in serum and interstitial tissue of testis were measured after the last administration of VAP. Furthermore, to investigate the mechanisms of how VAP affects sexual behavior and testosterone synthesis in vivo, the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein （STAR）, cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme （P450scc）, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase （3βHSD） in Leydig cells was also measured by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time PCR. As a result, VAP produced a significant improvement in the sexual function of these aging male mice. Serum testosterone level and intratesticular testosterone （ITT） concentration also increased in the VAP-treated groups. The expression of STAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD was also found to be enhanced in the VAP-treated groups compared with the control group. Our results suggested that VAP was effective in improving sexual function in aging male mice. The effect of velvet antler on sexual function was due to the increased expression of several rate-limiting enzymes of testosterone synthesis （STAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD） and the following promotion of testosterone syothesis in vivo.展开更多
We aim to investigate the correlations between hemodynamic parameters, penile rigidity grading, and the therapeutic effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors using color Doppler flow imaging after intracavernosal...We aim to investigate the correlations between hemodynamic parameters, penile rigidity grading, and the therapeutic effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors using color Doppler flow imaging after intracavernosal injection in patients with erectile dysfunction. This study involved 164 patients. After intracavernosal injection with a mixture of papaverine （60 mg）, prostaglandin E1 （10 μg）, and lidocaine （2%, 0.5-1 ml）, the penile vessels were assessed using color Doppler flow imaging. Penile rigidity was classified based on the Erection Hardness Score system as Grades 4, 3, 2 or 1 （corresponding to Schramek Grades Ⅴ to Ⅱ）. Then, the patients were given oral sildenafil （50-100 mg） and scored according to the International Index of Erectile Function （IIEF-5） questionnaire. The number of patients with penile rigidities of Schramek Grades Ⅱ to Ⅴ was 14, 18, 21, and 111, respectively. The IIEF-5 score was positively correlated with the refilling index of the penile cavernosal artery （r = 0.79, P 〈 0.05）, the peak systolic velocity （r= 0.45, P〈 0.05）, and penile rigidity （r= 0.75, P〈 0.05）, and was negatively correlated with the end diastolic velocity （r = -0.74, P 〈 0.05）. For patients with erectile dysfunction, both the IIEF-5 score after sildenafil administration, which is correlated with penile rigidity, and the hemodynamic parameters detected using color Doppler flow imaging may predict the effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor treatment and could provide a reasonable model for the targeted-treatment of erectile dysfunction.展开更多
Prostate cancer(PCa)is one of the most frequent cancers in men,and its biomolecular targets have been extensively studied.This study aimed to analyze the expression of toll-like receptor 9(TLR9)and vascular endothelia...Prostate cancer(PCa)is one of the most frequent cancers in men,and its biomolecular targets have been extensively studied.This study aimed to analyze the expression of toll-like receptor 9(TLR9)and vascular endothelial growth factor C(VEGF-C)and the clinical value of the coexpression of TLR9 and VEGF-C in PCa.We retrospectively evaluated 55 patients with clinically localized,intermediate-risk,or high-risk PCa who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy(LRP)and extended pelvic lymph node dissection(ePLND)without neoadjuvant hormonal therapy at a single institution from June 2013 to December 2016.In all 55 patients,the median number of lymph nodes(LNs)resected was 23(range:18-31),and a total of 1269 LNs were removed,of which 78 LNs were positive.Seventeen patients had positive LNs,with a positive rate of 30.9%.In addition,the immunohistochemical results in the above patients revealed that high TLR9 expression was correlated with higher Gleason score(GS)(P=0.049),increased LN metastasis(P=0.004),and more perineural invasion(PNI)(P=0.033).Moreover,VEGF-C expression was associated with GS(P=0.040),pathological stage(pT stage)(P=0.022),LN metastasis(P=0.003),and PNI(P=0.001).Furthermore,a significant positive correlation between TLR9 and VEGF-C was found(P<0.001),and the TLR9/VEGF-C phenotype was associated with LN metastasis(P=0.047).Collectively,we propose that TLR9 stimulation may promote LN metastasis in PCa cells through the upregulation of VEGF-C expression,thereby affecting the prognosis of PCa patients.Therefore,these markers may serve as valuable targets for the treatment of PCa.展开更多
Objective: To study the effects of comprehensive nursing interventions on sexual functions in young and middle-aged patients with coronary stent implantation. Methods: 96 cases of coronary stent implantation were rand...Objective: To study the effects of comprehensive nursing interventions on sexual functions in young and middle-aged patients with coronary stent implantation. Methods: 96 cases of coronary stent implantation were randomly divided into control group and intervention group (experimental group) with each group of 48 cases. The control group received the routine nursing measures after the coronary stent implantation and the experimental group was treated by the comprehensive nursing interventions such as psychological nursing, education of sexual knowledge, playing the full enthusiasm of spouse and appropriate exercise therapy on basis of the routine nursing measures. The two groups were given the questionnaire of brief male sexual function questionnaire (BSFI), Chinese patients with premature ejaculation sexual function score (C-ISFPE) and the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5). The scores of BSFI, C-ISFPE and IIEF-5 were compared between the two groups. Results: There were 29 cases who were satisfied with sexual life on the whole (≤1), 26 cases with different degrees of premature ejaculation symptoms and 21 cases with erectile dysfunctions, which were respectively 27.08%, 30.2% and 21.87% of the total number. The scores of BSFI, C-ISFPE and IIEF-5 inthe experimental group were significantly increased after the interventions (P P IIEF-5 scores in the two groups were significantly different展开更多
Multiple measurements of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity(NPTR)are widely accepted as a method to differentiate psychogenic erectile dysfunction(ED)from organic ED.However,direct evidence remains limited regar...Multiple measurements of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity(NPTR)are widely accepted as a method to differentiate psychogenic erectile dysfunction(ED)from organic ED.However,direct evidence remains limited regarding the first-night effect on NPTR measurement using the RigiScan.Here,we evaluated the first-night effect on the results of NPTR measurement to validate the necessity of NPTR measurement for two consecutive nights,particularly when abnormal first-night measurements are recorded in a laboratory setting.We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients with a complaint of ED,who underwent NPTR measurement using the RigiScan in the Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine,the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University(Guangzhou,China),for two consecutive nights,during the period from November 2015 to May 2016.NPTR parameters were collected and analyzed.We found that more effective nocturnal erections were detected during the second night than during the first night(P<0.001).Twenty percent of all patients had no effective erection during the first night,but exhibited at least one effective erection during the second night.The negative predictive value of NPTR measurement during the first night was 43.2%;this was significantly lower than that on the second night(84.2%;P=0.003).Most NPTR parameters were better on the second night than on the first night.The first-night effect might be greater among patients younger than 40 years of age.In conclusion,two consecutive nightly measurements of NPTR can avoid a false-abnormal result caused by the first-night effect;moreover,these measurements more accurately reflect erectile capacity,especially when the first-night record is abnormal in a laboratory setting.展开更多
Objective:To study the expression of estrogen receptor alpha(ERα) in preimplantation mice embryos.Methods:Mice zygotes were collected from superovulated Kunming mice and cultured in vitro.Embryos at different develop...Objective:To study the expression of estrogen receptor alpha(ERα) in preimplantation mice embryos.Methods:Mice zygotes were collected from superovulated Kunming mice and cultured in vitro.Embryos at different developmental stages were collected at 0,24,36,48,72 and 96hours after cultivation.The expression of ERα in early mice embryos was detected by reverse transcription-PCR(RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry.Results:The expression of ERα mRNA was detected in all of the examined embryonic stages.The relative amount of ERα mRNA showed no significant difference between 1-cell stage embryos and 4-cell stage embryos(P>0.05).However,the relative level of ERα mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.05) at 2-cell stage and was the lowest at this stage.Over 2-cell stage,the ERα mRNA relative level would increase and achieve the peak level at blastocyst stage.The location of immunocytochemistry showed that ERα immunopositive cells could be firstly detected at 8-cell stage,after which they are consistently detected until blastocyst stage.In addition,the intensity of ERα positive staining was higher at blastocyst stage compared with that at 8-cell stage and morula stage.Conclusion:ERα is expressed in preimplantation mice embryos in a temporal and spatial pattern and may be involved in regulating the development of early mice embryos,which probably plays crucial roles in early embryonic development.展开更多
Psychometric scales,commonly used to gauge sexual function,can sometimes be influenced by response biases.In our researchfrom June 2020 to April 2021,we examined the accuracy of self-reported sexual function scales.We...Psychometric scales,commonly used to gauge sexual function,can sometimes be influenced by response biases.In our researchfrom June 2020 to April 2021,we examined the accuracy of self-reported sexual function scales.We invited patients from theDepartment of Infertility and Sexual Medicine at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University(Guangzhou,China),whohave male sexual dysfunction,to participate by filling out a self-reported version of a specific questionnaire.In addition,they wentthrough a clinician-assisted version of this questionnaire,encompassing tools such as the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool(PEDT),the 6-item International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF-6),the Erection Hardness Scale(EHS),and the MasturbationErection Index(MEI).Using the clinician-assisted version as a reference,we categorized patients and applied various statisticalmethods,such as the Chi-square test,intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC),logistic regression,and the Bland–Altman plot,to gauge reliability.In our study with 322 participants,we found that while there were no notable discrepancies in error ratesbased on our categorization,certain scales showed significant differences in terms of overestimation and underestimation,withthe exception of the PEDT.The positive diagnosis rate consistency between the self-reported and clinician-assisted versions wasobserved.High ICC values between the two versions across the scales were indicative of remarkable reliability.Our findings showthat the self-reported versions of tools such as EHS,IIEF-6,MEI,and PEDT are credible and hold clinical reliability.However,employing a dual-diagnosis approach might be more prudent to circumvent potential misdiagnoses.展开更多
Dear Editor, Vasoepididymostomy plays an important role in treating epididymal obstructive azoospermia and this procedure is becoming more popular in the developing countries Hcwever, we believe its effectiveness and ...Dear Editor, Vasoepididymostomy plays an important role in treating epididymal obstructive azoospermia and this procedure is becoming more popular in the developing countries Hcwever, we believe its effectiveness and safety should also be considered. Varicocelectomy is very common in treating male infertility due to palpable varicocele and decreased semen quality, as well as reduzing testicular pain？ Therefore the question remains is whether simultaneous/asynchronous microsurgery of vasoepididymostomy and vai icocele ligation safe？展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on testosterone levels and sexual behaviors of male mice. Methods: Forty 12-week-old male mice, 22 - 25 g, were randomly allocated into four equal groups (n = 10...Objective: To evaluate the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on testosterone levels and sexual behaviors of male mice. Methods: Forty 12-week-old male mice, 22 - 25 g, were randomly allocated into four equal groups (n = 10 per group): the control group and three BPA exposure groups including low concentration group (10 mg/kg), middle concentration group (50 mg/kg) and high concentration group (100 mg/kg). Each mouse received BPA intraperitoneally injected for 21 consecutive days. Sexual behaviors and testosterone levels in serum and interstitial tissue of testis were measured after the last administration of BPA. Furthermore, we also observed the weights of sexual organs of each group, including testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle. Results: The mount latency in the high concentration group, the intromission latency in the middle and the high concentration group were 11.64 ± 2.67 min, 20.28 ± 3.40 min and 20.13 ± 2.06 min respectively. All of them were longer than the control group (all P < 0.05). The mount frequency, intromission frequency and copulatory efficacy in the high concentration group were 0.52 ± 0.15 numbers/min, 0.37 ± 0.12 numbers/min and 0.40 ± 0.03, which were all statistically lower than the control group (all P < 0.05). The average testis weights in the low, middle and high concentration group were 0.198 ± 0.032 g, 0.203 ± 0.037g and 0.183 ± 0.032 g, and the relative testis weight in the high concentration group was 0.637 ± 0.106. All of these data were lower than the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). The epididymis weight and the relative epididymis weight, the weight of seminal vesicle and the relative weight of seminal vesicle were 0.069 ± 0.010 g, 0.242 ± 0.040, 0.219 ± 0.042 g and 0.760 ± 0.143, and all of them were lower than the control group (all P < 0.05). The serum testosterone levels in the high concentration group, the intratesticular testosterone levels in the middle and the high concentration group were 7.88 ± 1.62 ng/ml, 75.5 ± 7.18 ng/g and 73.00 ± 9.57 ng/g, which were all lower than the control group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: BPA can decline the testosterone levels in mice and inhibit their sexual behaviors.展开更多
Background: Cellphone radiation (CR) has been reported to be related to higher risk of many health problems, but if CR can impair sexual behavior and testosterone synthesis has seldom been studied. Objective: To evalu...Background: Cellphone radiation (CR) has been reported to be related to higher risk of many health problems, but if CR can impair sexual behavior and testosterone synthesis has seldom been studied. Objective: To evaluate the effects of CR on testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and sexual behaviors of male mice. Methods: Forty 3-month-old male mice, 22 - 25 g, were randomly allocated into four equal groups (n = 10 per group): the control group and three CR exposure groups including 8-hour group, 16-hour group and 24-hour group. Each mouse received different dose of CR exposure for 30 consecutive days. Sexual behaviors and testosterone and LH levels in serum were measured at the end of experiment. Furthermore, we also observed the weights of reproductive organs of each group, including testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle. Results: The mount latency and intromission latency in 24-hour group were significant higher than the control (both P < 0.01), while no obvious changes were seen in 8-hour group and 16-hour group (all P > 0.05). No difference in ejaculation latency existed among each group after the experiment (all P > 0.05). The frequency of mount and intromission in 24-hour group was statistically significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). No obvious change in the frequency of mount and intromission of the 8-hour group and 16-hour group was seen (all P > 0.05). Only the copulatory efficacy in the 24-hour group was statistically lower than the control group (P < 0.05). The serum levels of testosterone and LH in the 24-hour group were obviously higher than the control group (testosterone level: P < 0.05;LH level: P < 0.01). No significant differences were seen among the other two experimental groups and the control group (all P > 0.05). After the exposure of CR, the changes in the weights of sexual organs in the 24-hour group were significant compared with the control (testis weights, relative testis weight, epididymis weight, the weight of seminal vesicle, and the relative weight of seminal vesicle, all P < 0.01;the relative epididymis weight, P < 0.05). Conclusions: High dose exposure of CR can decline the testosterone and LH levels in mice and inhibit their sexual behaviors.展开更多
Sexual health can be considered as a mirror of general health and, in turn, general health is a prerequisite for sexual heath. The aim of this study was to compare the different clinical features of erectile dysfuncti...Sexual health can be considered as a mirror of general health and, in turn, general health is a prerequisite for sexual heath. The aim of this study was to compare the different clinical features of erectile dysfunction (ED) in young and elderly males. From June 2011 to December 2011, 224 patients were included and divided into two groups. Elderly ED group consisted of 120 patients with ED and all were 61 - 90 years old, and young ED group consisted of 104 patients with ED and all were 21 - 45 years old. Questionnaires, physical examination, blood sample test, ultrasound monitor, time of achieving erection (TAE), intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), ECG and penis-brachial blood pressure index (PBI) were investigated. There were significant differences between the two groups, regarding the top three complications, the body mass index (BMI), International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores, Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) total scores, TAE, IELT and PBI. We concluded that clinical features of ED were age-specific, which will be helpful for treatment strategies and evaluation of the treatment efficacy.展开更多
Background: Luteal phase support with GnRH agonist administration has been shown to be effective in improving the outcome of assisted reproductive technology. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of singl...Background: Luteal phase support with GnRH agonist administration has been shown to be effective in improving the outcome of assisted reproductive technology. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of single dose Triptrolin (a GnRH agonist) on the probability of the clinical pregnancy rate following embryo transfer (ET) in assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Methods: In this double blinded randomized clinical trial, 340 infertile women who were candidates for intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were randomly assigned to receive GnRH agonist (Triptrolin) in the luteal phase or placebo. In the intervention group, 0.1 mg Triptrolin was injected subcutaneously, while the control group received normal saline. The clinical pregnancy and implantation rate were compared between the two groups using chi-2 and t-test. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The registration number of this clinical trial is IRCT 2014030916912N1. Results: Administration of 0.1 mg Triptrolin on day 6 after oocyte pick up showed no superiority over placebo in implantation (16.9% - 14%, P = 0.40) and clinical pregnancy rates (32% - 29%, P = 0.66), but the rate of clinical pregnancy was higher in women who were below 27 years of age and those with PCO. Conclusion: Administration of Triptrolin was not superior to placebo for luteal phase support.展开更多
Background: The available evidence on the role of obesity and BMI on male infertility has been controversial or inconclusive to some extent. Objectives: To investigate the role of BMI on semen quality and hormone leve...Background: The available evidence on the role of obesity and BMI on male infertility has been controversial or inconclusive to some extent. Objectives: To investigate the role of BMI on semen quality and hormone levels in men received intrauterine insemination. Material and Methods: A total of 390 males seeking artificial insemination in our department were recruited. BMI, blood pressure and semen parameters were assessed. Morning blood sample was taken for serum levels of testosterone (T), prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2). Results: Subjects were divided into four groups according to BMI. There was no significant difference among groups in any of semen parameters and serum levels of FSH, LH, PRL and E2. Obese and overweight men were found having lower serum levels of T and higher levels of E2/T ratio than those of normal and underweight men. BMI was not found to be associated with semen parameters. Conclusion: This study has not found evidence of an association between BMI and semen parameters, but obesity has a negative effect on serum testosterone levels.展开更多
Objective: To explore the effects of the behavioral treatment combined with psychological counseling on female coital disorder in China. Methods: One hundred and sixteen female patients with coital disorder were divid...Objective: To explore the effects of the behavioral treatment combined with psychological counseling on female coital disorder in China. Methods: One hundred and sixteen female patients with coital disorder were divided into sexual behavior training combined with psychological counseling group (group A, 59 cases) and psychological counseling alone group (group B, 57 cases). Results: Forty-five cases cured (76.27%), eight eases improved (13.56%), and six cases invalid (10.17%), the general rate of effectiveness being 89.83% in group A while eleven cases cured (19.30%), twenty-one cases improved (36.84%), and twenty-five cases invalid (43.86%), the general rate of effectiveness being 56.14% in group B. The curative effect of group A was better than group B (P Conclusions: The behavioral treatment combined with psychological counseling is significantly effective in treating female coital disorder than psychological counseling alone and its long term follow-up results show that most of patients were satisfied with their sex life. However, the response of behavioral treatment of some patients who had bad experience on sexual things in the progress of their growing up or had long course of disease were not so good which deserves our special attention in the future study.展开更多
This study is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the treatment of highflow priapism with superselective transcatheter embolization.From Sep.1999 to Jan.2013,six patients with high-flow priapism underwen...This study is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the treatment of highflow priapism with superselective transcatheter embolization.From Sep.1999 to Jan.2013,six patients with high-flow priapism underwent superselective transcatheter embolization of the cavernous artery.Recurrence of priapism,and change in erectile function detected by nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity(NPTR)test and the International Index of Erectile Function 5-item questionnaire(IIEF-5)were evaluated during a mean follow-up of 12 months.A single superselective transcatheter embolization was sufficient for complete resolution of priapism in the six patients.None of the patients had a relapse of priapism after embolization,and all the patients who had premorbid normal erectile function showed maintained potency with normal results of NPTR and a mean postoperative IIEF-5 score of 23.5(range 23 to 24)during the follow-up period.In conclusion,superselective transcatheter embolization is an effective and safe treatment method for high-flow priapism,and it can ensure a high level of preservation of premorbid erectile function.展开更多
Background: It has been reported that cellphone radiation (CR) is related to higher risk of many health problems, but whether CR can impair the expression of rate-limiting enzymes of testosterone synthesis has seldom ...Background: It has been reported that cellphone radiation (CR) is related to higher risk of many health problems, but whether CR can impair the expression of rate-limiting enzymes of testosterone synthesis has seldom been studied. Objective: To evaluate the effects of CR on the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the testes tissue and the sperm quality of adult male mice. Methods: Forty 3-month-old male mice, 22 - 26 g, were randomly assigned into four equal groups (n = 10 per group): the control group and three CR exposure groups including 8-hour group, 16-hour group and 24-hour group. Each mouse received different dosages of CR exposure for seven consecutive weeks. Semen in the epididymis, intratesticular testosterone (ITT) concentrations, and the expression of StAR were measured at the end of experiment. Results: The sperm number and motility, and the ITT concentrations in 24-h group were significant lower than those in the control group (P 0.05). Similarly, only the expression of StAR in the 24-h group was significantly decreased after the exposure of CR (P 0.05). Conclusions: High dose exposure of CR can reduce the expression of StAR and ITT concentration, and then suppress the serum quality.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;">To explore the differences of male semen parameters in different seasons of the year, so as to explore the potential climatic factors affecting spermatogenesis and ma...<span style="font-family:Verdana;">To explore the differences of male semen parameters in different seasons of the year, so as to explore the potential climatic factors affecting spermatogenesis and male reproductive ability</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> we retrospectively analyzed 21,715 semen analysis data from January 2018 to February 2021, grouped by year and season, and finally the relationships among semen parameters and semen and meteorological parameters were compared. Environmental exposures prior to 3 months were analyzed and correlation analysis was performed.</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The semen concentration decreased year by year (p < 0.01). However, the Progressive motility (PR) and total PR number had been increased (p < 0.01). There were statistical differences in sperm parameters which include semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, progressive motility (PR), total PR number and total motility in different seasons, winter and spring were better than summer and autumn (p < 0.01). Total sperm number and sperm concentration were positively correlated with PR (R = 0.420, R = 0.440, p < 0.01). There was no correlation between daylight duration and semen parameters. Sperm parameters were positively or negatively correlated with environmental temperature, air pressure or humidity which had an overall effect on semen quality. It is suggested that seasonal factors should be considered when evaluating male reproductive ability. Besides referring to conventional semen parameters, other factors such as season and climate should also be considered.</span></span>展开更多
Objective: The objective of this article is to investigate the effect of Guhanyangshengjing Tablet (GT) on expression of synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3), a meiotic marker, in the testis tissue of aging male rat...Objective: The objective of this article is to investigate the effect of Guhanyangshengjing Tablet (GT) on expression of synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3), a meiotic marker, in the testis tissue of aging male rats. Methods: Forty aging male rats were randomly assigned into 4 equal groups (n = 10 per group). Rats in each group were treated with GT at dose of 0 (control), 1.5 g/kg, 3.0 g/kg or 4.5 g/kg respectively by gavage daily for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, all animals were sacrificed and the blood samples were drawn to evaluate serum testosterone levels. The reproductive organs of each rat were taken and weighted. The right testis of each rat was removed for the analysis of intratesticular testosterone (ITT) concentrations, and the left one was used for immunohistochemical staining. Results: Compared with the control, reproductive organs’ weights, serum testosterone levels, ITT concentrations, quality of sperm, and expression of SYCP3 in the GT-treated groups were all improved in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: GT can improve testosterone synthesis and promote spermatogenesis simultaneously, indicating that GT is suitable for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) patients with fertility requirements.展开更多
文摘Acupuncture is an important method of treatment in Chinese medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture as an adjuvant treatment for unexplained infertility. Here we conducted a prospective study, with data consisting of acupuncture group (38 cases) and control group (42 cases). Infertility evaluation workup consisted of semen analysis, ovulation assessment, hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and blood analysis. The patients in acupuncture group received 3 acupuncture sessions, and each at seven acupuncture points (EX-CA1, CV4, CV6, SP10, ST36, SP6, and KI3). The session started 12 days before menstruation and continued for 10 days. The patients in control group did not receive acupuncture. All patients tried 1 - 3 natural cycles 3 months after HSG test, if not pregnant, underwent 1 - 3 cycles of control ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and timed intercourse. Pregnancy was evaluated by measurement of blood β human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) and subsequent trans-vaginal ultrasound. No significant difference of clinical pregnancy rate was found between the acupuncture group and the control group, however, numbers of COH cycles were significantly less and more pregnancies occurred in natural cycle in the acupuncture group. We concluded that acupuncture can be used as an adjuvant treatment for unexplained infertility. Although acupuncture did not increase the cumulative pregnancy rate, it decreased the number of COH cycles and more patients got pregnant in natural cycles after receiving acupuncture.
文摘<strong>Background:</strong> Although semen analysis is a basic method to evaluate male fertility, there was a certain deviation between the semen examination and the actual situation in clinical application. <strong>Objective:</strong> To evaluate the application value of semen examination items in the diagnosis of male infertility. <strong>Method:</strong> Males recruited from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from June 2017 to December 2018 were divided into three groups: normal fertility group, physical examination group (premarital physical examination), and male infertility group. Each group received the following examination such as semen analysis (including semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility, round cell concentration), acrosin activity, and sperm morphology. All the semen analysis items mentioned above were operated according to the <em>WHO laboratory manual for the examination and procession of human semen</em> (<em>Fifth edition</em>) and related documents. <strong>Results:</strong> The normal fertility group and physical examination group showed significantly higher levels in sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility, and sperm morphology than those in the male infertility group (<em>P</em> < 0.05);both the normal fertility group and the physical examination group have a higher qualified rate in sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility and sperm morphology than the male infertility group, all <em>P</em> < 0.001. The percentage of patients having all qualified items in each group was 28.13%, 6.67%, and 6.51% separately. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The diagnosis efficiency was higher in sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility, and sperm morphology than in other semen examination items. A more objective and efficient method of semen examination should be explored to facilitate the diagnoses of male infertility in the future.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 81302223） and the Medical Scientific Research Foundation of Guangdong Province, China （B2013104）.
文摘Twenty-four-month-old male C57BU6 mice with low serum testosterone levels were used as a late-onset hypogonadism （LOH） animal model for examining the effects of velvet antler polypeptide （VAP） on sexual function and testosterone synthesis. These mice received VAP for 5 consecutive weeks by daily gavage at doses of 100, 200, or 300 mg kg-1 body weight per day （n = 10 mice per dose）. Control animals （n = 10） received the same weight-based volume of vehicle. Sexual behavior and testosterone levels in serum and interstitial tissue of testis were measured after the last administration of VAP. Furthermore, to investigate the mechanisms of how VAP affects sexual behavior and testosterone synthesis in vivo, the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein （STAR）, cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme （P450scc）, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase （3βHSD） in Leydig cells was also measured by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time PCR. As a result, VAP produced a significant improvement in the sexual function of these aging male mice. Serum testosterone level and intratesticular testosterone （ITT） concentration also increased in the VAP-treated groups. The expression of STAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD was also found to be enhanced in the VAP-treated groups compared with the control group. Our results suggested that VAP was effective in improving sexual function in aging male mice. The effect of velvet antler on sexual function was due to the increased expression of several rate-limiting enzymes of testosterone synthesis （STAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD） and the following promotion of testosterone syothesis in vivo.
基金ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This work was partly supported by： projects of Technology Development Program of Shandong Province （No. 2014GSF 118033） Youth Funds of National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 30901488）+2 种基金 Doctor Start Fund of Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province （No. 9451008901003001）Medical Science and Technology Research Foundation of Guangdong Province （No. A2008189） Foundation for Outstanding Young Scientist in Shandong Province （No. 2004BS02019） and Independent Innovation Funds of Center for Reproductive Medicine of Shandong University. These organizations aided in the design and conduct of the study as well as in the collection, management, and analysis of the data.
文摘We aim to investigate the correlations between hemodynamic parameters, penile rigidity grading, and the therapeutic effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors using color Doppler flow imaging after intracavernosal injection in patients with erectile dysfunction. This study involved 164 patients. After intracavernosal injection with a mixture of papaverine （60 mg）, prostaglandin E1 （10 μg）, and lidocaine （2%, 0.5-1 ml）, the penile vessels were assessed using color Doppler flow imaging. Penile rigidity was classified based on the Erection Hardness Score system as Grades 4, 3, 2 or 1 （corresponding to Schramek Grades Ⅴ to Ⅱ）. Then, the patients were given oral sildenafil （50-100 mg） and scored according to the International Index of Erectile Function （IIEF-5） questionnaire. The number of patients with penile rigidities of Schramek Grades Ⅱ to Ⅴ was 14, 18, 21, and 111, respectively. The IIEF-5 score was positively correlated with the refilling index of the penile cavernosal artery （r = 0.79, P 〈 0.05）, the peak systolic velocity （r= 0.45, P〈 0.05）, and penile rigidity （r= 0.75, P〈 0.05）, and was negatively correlated with the end diastolic velocity （r = -0.74, P 〈 0.05）. For patients with erectile dysfunction, both the IIEF-5 score after sildenafil administration, which is correlated with penile rigidity, and the hemodynamic parameters detected using color Doppler flow imaging may predict the effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor treatment and could provide a reasonable model for the targeted-treatment of erectile dysfunction.
基金supported by grants from the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(No.2018A030313261 and No.2021Al515010129)Guangdong Medical Science and Technology Research Foundation(No.A2018079)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81772752).
文摘Prostate cancer(PCa)is one of the most frequent cancers in men,and its biomolecular targets have been extensively studied.This study aimed to analyze the expression of toll-like receptor 9(TLR9)and vascular endothelial growth factor C(VEGF-C)and the clinical value of the coexpression of TLR9 and VEGF-C in PCa.We retrospectively evaluated 55 patients with clinically localized,intermediate-risk,or high-risk PCa who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy(LRP)and extended pelvic lymph node dissection(ePLND)without neoadjuvant hormonal therapy at a single institution from June 2013 to December 2016.In all 55 patients,the median number of lymph nodes(LNs)resected was 23(range:18-31),and a total of 1269 LNs were removed,of which 78 LNs were positive.Seventeen patients had positive LNs,with a positive rate of 30.9%.In addition,the immunohistochemical results in the above patients revealed that high TLR9 expression was correlated with higher Gleason score(GS)(P=0.049),increased LN metastasis(P=0.004),and more perineural invasion(PNI)(P=0.033).Moreover,VEGF-C expression was associated with GS(P=0.040),pathological stage(pT stage)(P=0.022),LN metastasis(P=0.003),and PNI(P=0.001).Furthermore,a significant positive correlation between TLR9 and VEGF-C was found(P<0.001),and the TLR9/VEGF-C phenotype was associated with LN metastasis(P=0.047).Collectively,we propose that TLR9 stimulation may promote LN metastasis in PCa cells through the upregulation of VEGF-C expression,thereby affecting the prognosis of PCa patients.Therefore,these markers may serve as valuable targets for the treatment of PCa.
文摘Objective: To study the effects of comprehensive nursing interventions on sexual functions in young and middle-aged patients with coronary stent implantation. Methods: 96 cases of coronary stent implantation were randomly divided into control group and intervention group (experimental group) with each group of 48 cases. The control group received the routine nursing measures after the coronary stent implantation and the experimental group was treated by the comprehensive nursing interventions such as psychological nursing, education of sexual knowledge, playing the full enthusiasm of spouse and appropriate exercise therapy on basis of the routine nursing measures. The two groups were given the questionnaire of brief male sexual function questionnaire (BSFI), Chinese patients with premature ejaculation sexual function score (C-ISFPE) and the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5). The scores of BSFI, C-ISFPE and IIEF-5 were compared between the two groups. Results: There were 29 cases who were satisfied with sexual life on the whole (≤1), 26 cases with different degrees of premature ejaculation symptoms and 21 cases with erectile dysfunctions, which were respectively 27.08%, 30.2% and 21.87% of the total number. The scores of BSFI, C-ISFPE and IIEF-5 inthe experimental group were significantly increased after the interventions (P P IIEF-5 scores in the two groups were significantly different
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.N SFC 81571424).
文摘Multiple measurements of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity(NPTR)are widely accepted as a method to differentiate psychogenic erectile dysfunction(ED)from organic ED.However,direct evidence remains limited regarding the first-night effect on NPTR measurement using the RigiScan.Here,we evaluated the first-night effect on the results of NPTR measurement to validate the necessity of NPTR measurement for two consecutive nights,particularly when abnormal first-night measurements are recorded in a laboratory setting.We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients with a complaint of ED,who underwent NPTR measurement using the RigiScan in the Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine,the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University(Guangzhou,China),for two consecutive nights,during the period from November 2015 to May 2016.NPTR parameters were collected and analyzed.We found that more effective nocturnal erections were detected during the second night than during the first night(P<0.001).Twenty percent of all patients had no effective erection during the first night,but exhibited at least one effective erection during the second night.The negative predictive value of NPTR measurement during the first night was 43.2%;this was significantly lower than that on the second night(84.2%;P=0.003).Most NPTR parameters were better on the second night than on the first night.The first-night effect might be greater among patients younger than 40 years of age.In conclusion,two consecutive nightly measurements of NPTR can avoid a false-abnormal result caused by the first-night effect;moreover,these measurements more accurately reflect erectile capacity,especially when the first-night record is abnormal in a laboratory setting.
文摘Objective:To study the expression of estrogen receptor alpha(ERα) in preimplantation mice embryos.Methods:Mice zygotes were collected from superovulated Kunming mice and cultured in vitro.Embryos at different developmental stages were collected at 0,24,36,48,72 and 96hours after cultivation.The expression of ERα in early mice embryos was detected by reverse transcription-PCR(RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry.Results:The expression of ERα mRNA was detected in all of the examined embryonic stages.The relative amount of ERα mRNA showed no significant difference between 1-cell stage embryos and 4-cell stage embryos(P>0.05).However,the relative level of ERα mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.05) at 2-cell stage and was the lowest at this stage.Over 2-cell stage,the ERα mRNA relative level would increase and achieve the peak level at blastocyst stage.The location of immunocytochemistry showed that ERα immunopositive cells could be firstly detected at 8-cell stage,after which they are consistently detected until blastocyst stage.In addition,the intensity of ERα positive staining was higher at blastocyst stage compared with that at 8-cell stage and morula stage.Conclusion:ERα is expressed in preimplantation mice embryos in a temporal and spatial pattern and may be involved in regulating the development of early mice embryos,which probably plays crucial roles in early embryonic development.
基金supported for this study by the Italian Ministryof University PRIN(Grant No.2017S9KTNE_002)supported by theScientific Research Project of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Bureau of Guangdong Province(No.20221086).
文摘Psychometric scales,commonly used to gauge sexual function,can sometimes be influenced by response biases.In our researchfrom June 2020 to April 2021,we examined the accuracy of self-reported sexual function scales.We invited patients from theDepartment of Infertility and Sexual Medicine at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University(Guangzhou,China),whohave male sexual dysfunction,to participate by filling out a self-reported version of a specific questionnaire.In addition,they wentthrough a clinician-assisted version of this questionnaire,encompassing tools such as the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool(PEDT),the 6-item International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF-6),the Erection Hardness Scale(EHS),and the MasturbationErection Index(MEI).Using the clinician-assisted version as a reference,we categorized patients and applied various statisticalmethods,such as the Chi-square test,intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC),logistic regression,and the Bland–Altman plot,to gauge reliability.In our study with 322 participants,we found that while there were no notable discrepancies in error ratesbased on our categorization,certain scales showed significant differences in terms of overestimation and underestimation,withthe exception of the PEDT.The positive diagnosis rate consistency between the self-reported and clinician-assisted versions wasobserved.High ICC values between the two versions across the scales were indicative of remarkable reliability.Our findings showthat the self-reported versions of tools such as EHS,IIEF-6,MEI,and PEDT are credible and hold clinical reliability.However,employing a dual-diagnosis approach might be more prudent to circumvent potential misdiagnoses.
基金ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 30972996） and the Guangdong Province Sc：ience and Technology Project （No. 2011B061300007）.
文摘Dear Editor, Vasoepididymostomy plays an important role in treating epididymal obstructive azoospermia and this procedure is becoming more popular in the developing countries Hcwever, we believe its effectiveness and safety should also be considered. Varicocelectomy is very common in treating male infertility due to palpable varicocele and decreased semen quality, as well as reduzing testicular pain？ Therefore the question remains is whether simultaneous/asynchronous microsurgery of vasoepididymostomy and vai icocele ligation safe？
文摘Objective: To evaluate the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on testosterone levels and sexual behaviors of male mice. Methods: Forty 12-week-old male mice, 22 - 25 g, were randomly allocated into four equal groups (n = 10 per group): the control group and three BPA exposure groups including low concentration group (10 mg/kg), middle concentration group (50 mg/kg) and high concentration group (100 mg/kg). Each mouse received BPA intraperitoneally injected for 21 consecutive days. Sexual behaviors and testosterone levels in serum and interstitial tissue of testis were measured after the last administration of BPA. Furthermore, we also observed the weights of sexual organs of each group, including testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle. Results: The mount latency in the high concentration group, the intromission latency in the middle and the high concentration group were 11.64 ± 2.67 min, 20.28 ± 3.40 min and 20.13 ± 2.06 min respectively. All of them were longer than the control group (all P < 0.05). The mount frequency, intromission frequency and copulatory efficacy in the high concentration group were 0.52 ± 0.15 numbers/min, 0.37 ± 0.12 numbers/min and 0.40 ± 0.03, which were all statistically lower than the control group (all P < 0.05). The average testis weights in the low, middle and high concentration group were 0.198 ± 0.032 g, 0.203 ± 0.037g and 0.183 ± 0.032 g, and the relative testis weight in the high concentration group was 0.637 ± 0.106. All of these data were lower than the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). The epididymis weight and the relative epididymis weight, the weight of seminal vesicle and the relative weight of seminal vesicle were 0.069 ± 0.010 g, 0.242 ± 0.040, 0.219 ± 0.042 g and 0.760 ± 0.143, and all of them were lower than the control group (all P < 0.05). The serum testosterone levels in the high concentration group, the intratesticular testosterone levels in the middle and the high concentration group were 7.88 ± 1.62 ng/ml, 75.5 ± 7.18 ng/g and 73.00 ± 9.57 ng/g, which were all lower than the control group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: BPA can decline the testosterone levels in mice and inhibit their sexual behaviors.
文摘Background: Cellphone radiation (CR) has been reported to be related to higher risk of many health problems, but if CR can impair sexual behavior and testosterone synthesis has seldom been studied. Objective: To evaluate the effects of CR on testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and sexual behaviors of male mice. Methods: Forty 3-month-old male mice, 22 - 25 g, were randomly allocated into four equal groups (n = 10 per group): the control group and three CR exposure groups including 8-hour group, 16-hour group and 24-hour group. Each mouse received different dose of CR exposure for 30 consecutive days. Sexual behaviors and testosterone and LH levels in serum were measured at the end of experiment. Furthermore, we also observed the weights of reproductive organs of each group, including testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle. Results: The mount latency and intromission latency in 24-hour group were significant higher than the control (both P < 0.01), while no obvious changes were seen in 8-hour group and 16-hour group (all P > 0.05). No difference in ejaculation latency existed among each group after the experiment (all P > 0.05). The frequency of mount and intromission in 24-hour group was statistically significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). No obvious change in the frequency of mount and intromission of the 8-hour group and 16-hour group was seen (all P > 0.05). Only the copulatory efficacy in the 24-hour group was statistically lower than the control group (P < 0.05). The serum levels of testosterone and LH in the 24-hour group were obviously higher than the control group (testosterone level: P < 0.05;LH level: P < 0.01). No significant differences were seen among the other two experimental groups and the control group (all P > 0.05). After the exposure of CR, the changes in the weights of sexual organs in the 24-hour group were significant compared with the control (testis weights, relative testis weight, epididymis weight, the weight of seminal vesicle, and the relative weight of seminal vesicle, all P < 0.01;the relative epididymis weight, P < 0.05). Conclusions: High dose exposure of CR can decline the testosterone and LH levels in mice and inhibit their sexual behaviors.
文摘Sexual health can be considered as a mirror of general health and, in turn, general health is a prerequisite for sexual heath. The aim of this study was to compare the different clinical features of erectile dysfunction (ED) in young and elderly males. From June 2011 to December 2011, 224 patients were included and divided into two groups. Elderly ED group consisted of 120 patients with ED and all were 61 - 90 years old, and young ED group consisted of 104 patients with ED and all were 21 - 45 years old. Questionnaires, physical examination, blood sample test, ultrasound monitor, time of achieving erection (TAE), intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), ECG and penis-brachial blood pressure index (PBI) were investigated. There were significant differences between the two groups, regarding the top three complications, the body mass index (BMI), International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores, Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) total scores, TAE, IELT and PBI. We concluded that clinical features of ED were age-specific, which will be helpful for treatment strategies and evaluation of the treatment efficacy.
文摘Background: Luteal phase support with GnRH agonist administration has been shown to be effective in improving the outcome of assisted reproductive technology. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of single dose Triptrolin (a GnRH agonist) on the probability of the clinical pregnancy rate following embryo transfer (ET) in assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Methods: In this double blinded randomized clinical trial, 340 infertile women who were candidates for intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were randomly assigned to receive GnRH agonist (Triptrolin) in the luteal phase or placebo. In the intervention group, 0.1 mg Triptrolin was injected subcutaneously, while the control group received normal saline. The clinical pregnancy and implantation rate were compared between the two groups using chi-2 and t-test. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The registration number of this clinical trial is IRCT 2014030916912N1. Results: Administration of 0.1 mg Triptrolin on day 6 after oocyte pick up showed no superiority over placebo in implantation (16.9% - 14%, P = 0.40) and clinical pregnancy rates (32% - 29%, P = 0.66), but the rate of clinical pregnancy was higher in women who were below 27 years of age and those with PCO. Conclusion: Administration of Triptrolin was not superior to placebo for luteal phase support.
文摘Background: The available evidence on the role of obesity and BMI on male infertility has been controversial or inconclusive to some extent. Objectives: To investigate the role of BMI on semen quality and hormone levels in men received intrauterine insemination. Material and Methods: A total of 390 males seeking artificial insemination in our department were recruited. BMI, blood pressure and semen parameters were assessed. Morning blood sample was taken for serum levels of testosterone (T), prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2). Results: Subjects were divided into four groups according to BMI. There was no significant difference among groups in any of semen parameters and serum levels of FSH, LH, PRL and E2. Obese and overweight men were found having lower serum levels of T and higher levels of E2/T ratio than those of normal and underweight men. BMI was not found to be associated with semen parameters. Conclusion: This study has not found evidence of an association between BMI and semen parameters, but obesity has a negative effect on serum testosterone levels.
文摘Objective: To explore the effects of the behavioral treatment combined with psychological counseling on female coital disorder in China. Methods: One hundred and sixteen female patients with coital disorder were divided into sexual behavior training combined with psychological counseling group (group A, 59 cases) and psychological counseling alone group (group B, 57 cases). Results: Forty-five cases cured (76.27%), eight eases improved (13.56%), and six cases invalid (10.17%), the general rate of effectiveness being 89.83% in group A while eleven cases cured (19.30%), twenty-one cases improved (36.84%), and twenty-five cases invalid (43.86%), the general rate of effectiveness being 56.14% in group B. The curative effect of group A was better than group B (P Conclusions: The behavioral treatment combined with psychological counseling is significantly effective in treating female coital disorder than psychological counseling alone and its long term follow-up results show that most of patients were satisfied with their sex life. However, the response of behavioral treatment of some patients who had bad experience on sexual things in the progress of their growing up or had long course of disease were not so good which deserves our special attention in the future study.
基金partly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81370705 and No.81471450)
文摘This study is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the treatment of highflow priapism with superselective transcatheter embolization.From Sep.1999 to Jan.2013,six patients with high-flow priapism underwent superselective transcatheter embolization of the cavernous artery.Recurrence of priapism,and change in erectile function detected by nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity(NPTR)test and the International Index of Erectile Function 5-item questionnaire(IIEF-5)were evaluated during a mean follow-up of 12 months.A single superselective transcatheter embolization was sufficient for complete resolution of priapism in the six patients.None of the patients had a relapse of priapism after embolization,and all the patients who had premorbid normal erectile function showed maintained potency with normal results of NPTR and a mean postoperative IIEF-5 score of 23.5(range 23 to 24)during the follow-up period.In conclusion,superselective transcatheter embolization is an effective and safe treatment method for high-flow priapism,and it can ensure a high level of preservation of premorbid erectile function.
文摘Background: It has been reported that cellphone radiation (CR) is related to higher risk of many health problems, but whether CR can impair the expression of rate-limiting enzymes of testosterone synthesis has seldom been studied. Objective: To evaluate the effects of CR on the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the testes tissue and the sperm quality of adult male mice. Methods: Forty 3-month-old male mice, 22 - 26 g, were randomly assigned into four equal groups (n = 10 per group): the control group and three CR exposure groups including 8-hour group, 16-hour group and 24-hour group. Each mouse received different dosages of CR exposure for seven consecutive weeks. Semen in the epididymis, intratesticular testosterone (ITT) concentrations, and the expression of StAR were measured at the end of experiment. Results: The sperm number and motility, and the ITT concentrations in 24-h group were significant lower than those in the control group (P 0.05). Similarly, only the expression of StAR in the 24-h group was significantly decreased after the exposure of CR (P 0.05). Conclusions: High dose exposure of CR can reduce the expression of StAR and ITT concentration, and then suppress the serum quality.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;">To explore the differences of male semen parameters in different seasons of the year, so as to explore the potential climatic factors affecting spermatogenesis and male reproductive ability</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">,</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> we retrospectively analyzed 21,715 semen analysis data from January 2018 to February 2021, grouped by year and season, and finally the relationships among semen parameters and semen and meteorological parameters were compared. Environmental exposures prior to 3 months were analyzed and correlation analysis was performed.</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The semen concentration decreased year by year (p < 0.01). However, the Progressive motility (PR) and total PR number had been increased (p < 0.01). There were statistical differences in sperm parameters which include semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, progressive motility (PR), total PR number and total motility in different seasons, winter and spring were better than summer and autumn (p < 0.01). Total sperm number and sperm concentration were positively correlated with PR (R = 0.420, R = 0.440, p < 0.01). There was no correlation between daylight duration and semen parameters. Sperm parameters were positively or negatively correlated with environmental temperature, air pressure or humidity which had an overall effect on semen quality. It is suggested that seasonal factors should be considered when evaluating male reproductive ability. Besides referring to conventional semen parameters, other factors such as season and climate should also be considered.</span></span>
文摘Objective: The objective of this article is to investigate the effect of Guhanyangshengjing Tablet (GT) on expression of synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3), a meiotic marker, in the testis tissue of aging male rats. Methods: Forty aging male rats were randomly assigned into 4 equal groups (n = 10 per group). Rats in each group were treated with GT at dose of 0 (control), 1.5 g/kg, 3.0 g/kg or 4.5 g/kg respectively by gavage daily for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, all animals were sacrificed and the blood samples were drawn to evaluate serum testosterone levels. The reproductive organs of each rat were taken and weighted. The right testis of each rat was removed for the analysis of intratesticular testosterone (ITT) concentrations, and the left one was used for immunohistochemical staining. Results: Compared with the control, reproductive organs’ weights, serum testosterone levels, ITT concentrations, quality of sperm, and expression of SYCP3 in the GT-treated groups were all improved in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: GT can improve testosterone synthesis and promote spermatogenesis simultaneously, indicating that GT is suitable for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) patients with fertility requirements.
