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International Journal of Reproductive... May 2019The Co-word analysis has the ability to identify the intellectual structure of knowledge in a research domain and reveal its subsurface research aspects.
BACKGROUND
The Co-word analysis has the ability to identify the intellectual structure of knowledge in a research domain and reveal its subsurface research aspects.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the intellectual structure of knowledge in the field of Andrology during the period 2008-2017 using Co-word analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this descriptive-analytical study with a scientometric approach, the WoS database was searched for papers indexed under "Andrology" over the period 2008-2017. The data were analyzed using Co-word, clustering methods, and strategic diagram with the help of SPSS, UcInet, RavarPreMap and VOSviewer software.
RESULTS
The highest publication rate in the area of Andrology was seen in countries like the USA, China, Italy, and Iran. The top three journals that published papers on the field were Fertility and Sterility, Andrologia, Human reproduction. The results showed that the keyword "Spermatozoa" and two pairs of frequently used keywords, namely "Azoospermia * Oligospermia" were the most frequent in the field of Andrology. The results of hierarchical clustering led to 13 clusters. The clusters "Reproductive Techniques" and "Spermatogenesis" are the core clusters and play an effective role. The "Post-Testicular causes" and "Neoplasm" clusters are in marginal.
CONCLUSION
This study represented that Co-word analysis can well illustrate the intellectual structure of an area. Considering the frequency of keywords along with the clusters obtained, it seems that the majority of research approach was seen on infertility treatments, especially through assisted reproductive technology. Despite the importance of psychological aspects as well as education of reproductive health, these subjects have not been sufficiently considered.
PubMed: 31435612
DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v17i5.4602 -
Progres En Urologie : Journal de... Dec 2021Although the progress in diagnosis methods revealed a high incidence of infra-clinical varicocele, the clinical signification of this pathology is controversial. We...
BACKGROUND
Although the progress in diagnosis methods revealed a high incidence of infra-clinical varicocele, the clinical signification of this pathology is controversial. We compared left unilateral varicocelectomy to bilateral surgery in patients with left clinical varicocele associated to an infra-clinical right one.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
It is a retrospective study conducted between January 2007 and December 2015 concerning men followed for a varicocele related infertility (one-year or more primary infertility) with two altered sperm analysis (oligospermia and/or asthenospermia) and had a left clinical varicocele associated to right infra-clinical one detected at Doppler Ultrasound. Surgical techniques used were open surgery (sub-inguinal way), antegrade sclerotherapy and coelioscopy. All patients were reviewed with a 6 month post operatively spermogram and minimum follow up of 1 year.
RESULTS
Our study included 95 men. Thirty-five patients have had a unilateral left surgery (Group I) and 60 patients have had a bilateral surgical treatment (Group II). The pre-operative spermatic parameters (concentration and progressive mobility) were comparable for the 2 groups. After the surgical treatment, an improvement of these parameters was noted in all the patients without significant difference between the two groups regarding sperm concentration (24.07±9.36×10/mL Vs 23.29±3.88×10/mL) and their progressive mobility (30.47±9.04% Vs 32.39±9.54%). The spontaneous pregnancy rate was 22.8% for patients in group I and 26.6% for those in group II without any statistically difference (p=0.68).
CONCLUSION
Treatment of a right s infra-clinical varicocele, when combined with a left clinical varicocele, gave better results in terms of sperm parameters and spontaneous pregnancy than unilateral varicocelectomy but without statistically significant results.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
3.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Semen Analysis; Sperm Count; Varicocele
PubMed: 34272180
DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2021.03.002 -
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England) Dec 2023Does Klinefelter syndrome (KS) lead to a distinct gene expression pattern at single-cell level in the testes that could provide insight into the reported microvascular...
STUDY QUESTION
Does Klinefelter syndrome (KS) lead to a distinct gene expression pattern at single-cell level in the testes that could provide insight into the reported microvascular dysfunction in the testes?
SUMMARY ANSWER
A distinct gene expression pattern within microvascular-associated cells of males with KS suggests excessive endothelial cell (EC) activation, disorganized vessel formation, and the presence of immature vessels with compromised integrity.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Recent studies show that males with KS exhibit microvascular dysfunction in their testes, which affects blood flow and is associated with lower circulating levels of testosterone.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
A comparative cross-sectional study of males with KS (n = 6), non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) (n = 5), cryptozoospermia (n = 3), and controls (n = 15) was carried out.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
We analyzed publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data of testicular cells from males with KS, males with NOA, males with cryptozoospermia, and controls. The integration of these datasets allowed us to analyze gene expression profiles and communication patterns among the cell types within the testis and to identify capillary ECs to investigate changes at the microvascular level.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
Rooted in changes at the single-cell level, our study demonstrates a shift in gene expression forming the foundation for altered cellular communication, microvascular remodeling, and pro-inflammatory responses within the testes of males with KS. We identified genes that were dysregulated in capillary ECs from males with KS (Padj < 0.05). Specifically, the unique microvascular gene expression in males with KS indicated enhanced capillary EC activation and increased inflammatory cross-talk, leading to impaired vessel maturation and increased EC barrier permeability.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
Our study is constrained by an unbalanced design, with varying sample sizes and number of cells within each group. We acknowledge the restricted access to clinical information. In addition, our findings were deduced from changes in gene expression, which limits us to infer potential biological consequences arising from these alterations. Furthermore, the absence of a pre-pubertal age group limits the generalizability of our findings and warrants further investigation.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
This study offers novel insights into the testicular pathophysiology in KS and underscores the potential contribution of microvascular dysfunction to the hypogonadism and infertility observed in males with KS. While this study aims to better understand the microvascular dysfunction in KS, the precise connections to testosterone deficiency and testicular atrophy remain to be fully elucidated.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
A.S. was supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (0134-00130B). C.H.G. was supported by Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF15OC0016474, NNF20OC0060610), 'Fonden til lægevidenskabens fremme', the Familien Hede Nielsen foundation and the Independent Research Fund Denmark (0134-00406A). E.B.J. was supported by Aarhus University and E.B.J. and C.H.G by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (2096-00165A). J.M.K. was supported by Lundbeckfonden (R307-2018-3667), Carlsberg Fonden (CF19-0687), Novo Nordisk Fonden (0073440) and Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus (SDCA). The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
Topics: Male; Humans; Testis; Klinefelter Syndrome; Oligospermia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Testosterone; Microvessels
PubMed: 37910660
DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead224 -
Current Urology Dec 2020We aimed to investigate the possible relationship between seminal parameters and cystatin C seminal levels in an infertility evaluation of chronic hemodialysis patients.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to investigate the possible relationship between seminal parameters and cystatin C seminal levels in an infertility evaluation of chronic hemodialysis patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study, aged 18-60 years, in a group of 60 men undergoing hemodialysis (case) for more than 6 months, and a group of 15 healthy men (control) without clinical or laboratory signs of genitourinary tract infection. We performed a spermogram, hormonal profile, and assessment of leukocytes and cystatin levels in the semen.
RESULTS
The ages in the case and control were similar (p = 0.060). The seminal cystatin was significantly different between the case group and control group (41.16 ± 26.59 vs. 79.00 ± 05.68 mg/l, respectively, p < 0.001) and between normospermia and oligospermia (83.50 ± 02.40 vs. 30.34 ± 02.52 mg/l, respectively, p < 0.001). The mean seminal cystatin levels identified by the degrees of oligospermia (severe, moderate, and slim) were similar to each other (p > 0.05) and significantly different (p < 0.05) in relation to normospermia in the case group. The seminal cystatin levels positively correlated (p < 0.05) with sperm motility and sperm density.
CONCLUSION
Seminal cystatin levels are associated with the numerical and motility changes evidenced in the spermogram and may be of help in the initial evaluation of clinical suspicion of sub-fertility and infertility.
PubMed: 33488335
DOI: 10.1159/000499241 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Reproductive hormones are a traditional good method to evaluate spermatogenesis but might not accurately represent local spermatogenesis. To find a more accurate method,...
OBJECTIVE
Reproductive hormones are a traditional good method to evaluate spermatogenesis but might not accurately represent local spermatogenesis. To find a more accurate method, seminal reproductive hormones were studied.
METHODS
A bidirectional cohort study was performed. A total of 126 infertile men from 2018 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), oligozoospermia (OLZ) and normal (NOR) groups. A prospective study was conducted on patients in the NOA and OLZ groups for 2 years. Microscopic testicular sperm extraction was performed for NOA patients, who were divided into a focal spermatogenesis group (FS) and an idiopathic azoospermia group (IA). Drug treatment was for OLZ patients, who were divided into a valid group (VA) and an invalid group (IN). The differences in sperm parameters and reproductive hormones were compared. ANOSIM analysis was used between and within groups. Pearson correlation analysis, CO inertia analysis and Proctor's analysis were for relationships. ROC curve for the specificity and sensitivity. Time series analysis was for the trends between hormones and time.
RESULTS
The b-FSH, b-LH, s-T and ΔT in the NOA group were significantly higher than those in the OLZ and NOR groups. However, the s-FSH, s-E, s-P, ΔFSH, ΔLH, ΔP and ΔE were lower. Thirty-one NOA patients underwent MTSE, of whom 12 had sperm (FS) and 19 had no sperm (IA). The s-FSH and s-E of the FS group were higher than those of the IA group. Twenty-six OLZ patients completed 30 days of treatment, of which 11 had an improved sperm count (VA) and 15 had no (IN). The ΔT of the VA group was higher than that of the IN group. After follow-up for 2 years, 18 patients' results showed that b-FSH, b-LH and s-T were different over time, with delays of 19, 3 and -19 days. SC is closely related to pH, s-FSH, s-LH, s-E, s-P, s-T, b-FSH, b-LH, ΔFSH, ΔLH, ΔP, ΔE and ΔT. There were complex common trends and relationships between different kinds of hormones. s-FSH, s-LH, s-E, s-P, s-T, b-FSH and b-LH were useful to judge spermatogenesis, of which s-T, b-FSH and b-LH were more sensitive. If s-T, b-FSH and b-LH reached 64.4, 9.4 and 4.7, respectively, their prediction performance was the strongest.
CONCLUSION
Seminal testosterone is sensitive for judging local spermatogenesis in nonobstructive azoospermia patients, which may be the direction of local spermatogenesis in nonobstructive azoospermia.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, identifier ChiCTR2200060463.
Topics: Male; Humans; Testosterone; Azoospermia; Retrospective Studies; Cohort Studies; Prospective Studies; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Spermatogenesis; Oligospermia
PubMed: 36568123
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.992556 -
Fertility and Sterility Mar 2019Ejaculatory duct obstruction is an uncommon but surgically correctable cause of male infertility. With the advent and increased use of high-resolution transrectal... (Review)
Review
Ejaculatory duct obstruction is an uncommon but surgically correctable cause of male infertility. With the advent and increased use of high-resolution transrectal ultrasonography, anomalies of the ejaculatory ducts related to infertility have been well documented. Although there are no pathognomonic findings associated with ejaculatory duct obstruction, the diagnosis should be suspected in an infertile male with oligospermia or azoospermia with low ejaculate volume, normal secondary sex characteristics, testes, and hormonal profile, and dilated seminal vesicles, midline cyst, or calcifications on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Although additional larger prospective and comparative studies are needed, it appears that TRUS with aspiration is the most effective method for diagnosis. While intrusive, it is less invasive than vasography. The most robust and published evidence for treatment involves transurethral resection of ejaculatory duct (TURED). More recent experience with antegrade endoscopic approaches are promising and may also be considered. An alternative to surgeries for reversal of obstruction is sperm retrieval for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. A thorough discussion of all alternatives, including risks and benefits, should be held with couples facing this uncommon condition to allow them to make informed decisions regarding management.
Topics: Azoospermia; Ejaculatory Ducts; Endoscopy; Fertility; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Risk Factors; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; Sperm Retrieval; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male
PubMed: 30827517
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.01.001 -
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and... Feb 2020To identify the frequency of Y chromosome microdeletions in Indian populations and to quantitatively estimate the significance of association between these deletions and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To identify the frequency of Y chromosome microdeletions in Indian populations and to quantitatively estimate the significance of association between these deletions and male infertility.
METHODS
A total of 379 infertile males (302 azoospermic and 77 oligozoospermic infertile males) and 265 normozoospermic fertile males were evaluated for Y chromosome microdeletions (YCD) using PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis. Meta-analyses were performed on AZFa (2079 cases and 1217 controls), AZFb (2212 cases and 1267 controls), AZFc (4131 cases and 2008 controls), and AZFb+c (1573 cases and 942 controls) deletions data to quantitatively estimate the significance of association between these deletions and male infertility in Indian populations.
RESULTS
The results revealed that out of 379 infertile azoospermic and oligozoospermic males, 38 (10.02%) had AZF deletions. No deletion was found in control samples. The highest percentage of deletions was observed in the AZFc region, followed by AZFa and AZFb. Qualitative analysis showed that AZF deletions were present in 0.59 to 32.62% (average 13.48%) of infertile cases in Indian populations. Meta-analysis revealed a significant association of AZFa (OR = 6.74, p value = 0.001), AZFb (OR = 4.694, p value = 0.004), AZFc (OR = 13.575, p value = 0.000), and AZFb+c (OR = 5.946, p value = 0.018) deletions with male infertility.
CONCLUSION
AZF deletions were seen in 10.02% of azoospermic and oligozoospermic cases with the highest frequency of AZFc deletions. Pooled analysis for all studies showed deletion frequency from 0.59 to 32.62% (average = 13.48%). Meta-analysis showed significant association of AZFa, AZFb, and AZFb+c deletions with male infertility. Analysis of Y chromosome microdeletions should be reckoned as an essential testing for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Topics: Adult; Azoospermia; Chromosome Deletion; Chromosomes, Human, Y; Genetic Diseases, Y-Linked; Humans; India; Infertility, Male; Male; Oligospermia; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sex Chromosome Aberrations; Sex Chromosome Disorders of Sex Development; Young Adult
PubMed: 31919744
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01661-0 -
IJU Case Reports Jan 2020Sarcoidosis is a disease in which noncaseating granulomas form in several organs, particularly in the lungs and skin. Male genitourinary involvement in sarcoidosis is...
INTRODUCTION
Sarcoidosis is a disease in which noncaseating granulomas form in several organs, particularly in the lungs and skin. Male genitourinary involvement in sarcoidosis is uncommon.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 32-year-old male with painless bilateral scrotal swelling who was diagnosed with lung sarcoidosis presented to our hospital. Serum tumor marker levels were normal. Scattered hypoechoic mass lesions in both testes were noted on ultrasound examination. Biopsy of both testes revealed pathologically noncaseating epithelioid cell granuloma, and perihilar lymphadenopathy and a granulomatous lung nodule were found on chest computed tomography. Semen examination was performed after the biopsy, demonstrating oligospermia. A corticosteroid regimen was administered. After treatment, no abnormal accumulation in both testes was observed on gallium-67 scintigraphy, and semen examination demonstrated the mild improvement of the sperm count.
CONCLUSION
Treatments for testicular sarcoidosis vary, and malignancy and fertility must be considered.
PubMed: 32743456
DOI: 10.1002/iju5.12124 -
Scientific Reports Jan 2023Data on the clinical validity of DNA copy number variants (CNVs) in spermatogenic failure (SPGF) is limited. This study analyzed the genome-wide CNV profile in 215...
Data on the clinical validity of DNA copy number variants (CNVs) in spermatogenic failure (SPGF) is limited. This study analyzed the genome-wide CNV profile in 215 men with idiopathic SPGF and 62 normozoospermic fertile men, recruited at the Andrology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Estonia. A two-fold higher representation of > 1 Mb CNVs was observed in men with SPGF (13%, n = 28) compared to controls (6.5%, n = 4). Seven patients with SPGF were identified as carriers of microdeletions (1q21.1; 2.4 Mb) or microduplications (3p26.3, 1.1 Mb; 7p22.3-p22.2, 1.56 Mb; 10q11.22, 1.42 Mb, three cases; Xp22.33; 2.3 Mb) linked to severe congenital conditions. Large autosomal CNV carriers had oligozoospermia, reduced or low-normal bitesticular volume (22-28 ml). The 7p22.3-p22.2 microduplication carrier presented mild intellectual disability, neuropsychiatric problems, and short stature. The Xp22.33 duplication at the PAR1/non-PAR boundary, previously linked to uterine agenesis, was detected in a patient with non-obstructive azoospermia. A novel recurrent intragenic deletion in testis-specific LRRC69 was significantly overrepresented in patients with SPGF compared to the general population (3.3% vs. 0.85%; χ test, OR = 3.9 [95% CI 1.8-8.4], P = 0.0001). Assessment of clinically valid CNVs in patients with SPGF will improve their management and counselling for general and reproductive health, including risk of miscarriage and congenital disorders in future offspring.
Topics: Humans; Male; Azoospermia; DNA Copy Number Variations; Estonia; Oligospermia; Testis; Chromosome Deletion; Chromosome Duplication; Genetic Diseases, Inborn; Intellectual Disability; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 36631630
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27750-w -
Arab Journal of Urology Mar 2018To assess the relationship between geographical differences and all semen parameters, across 13,892 infertile men of 84 diverse nationalities, recruited at a specialised...
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relationship between geographical differences and all semen parameters, across 13,892 infertile men of 84 diverse nationalities, recruited at a specialised tertiary hospital that represents the main healthcare provider in Qatar. Male infertility is an important and global public health problem. Despite this, there is a significant scarcity of epidemiological male infertility and semen analysis research in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as geographical comparisons with other parts of the world.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Retrospective study of semen findings of 13 892 infertile men assessed at the Male Infertility Unit at Hamad Medical Corporation, in Qatar between January 2012 and August 2015. Based on country of origin, patients were categorised into those from the MENA region ( = 8799) and non-MENA patients ( = 5093). The two groups were compared across demographic features and semen characteristics: age, sperm volume, sperm total motility, sperm progressive motility (PMot), abnormal sperm forms (ABF), and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF).
RESULTS
The whole sample's mean (SD) age was 35.7 (0.7) years, sperm concentration was 32.3 (0.25) × 10 sperm/mL, total motility was 45.4 (0.2)%, sperm PMot was 25.1 (0.2)%, and ABF was 79.9 (0.2)%. Overall, 841 patients had azoospermia (6.05%), 3231 had oligospermia (23.3%), 4239 had asthenospermia (30.5%) and 6772 had teratospermia (48.7%). SDF (1050 patients) was abnormal in 333 patients (31.7%). MENA patients were significantly younger than their non-MENA counterparts and had a greater semen volume. Non-MENA patients had significantly higher sperm counts, total motility and PMot, and lower ABF. SDF showed no statistical difference between the two groups. MENA patients had significantly higher prevalence of oligospermia, asthenospermia, and teratospermia; and lower prevalence of normal sperm concentration, normal motility, and normal morphology. Throughout the 4 years of the study, MENA patients constantly had significantly lower sperm counts; generally lower sperm total motility percentage and generally lower quality sperm morphology. We compared patients by age (≤40 and >40 years): in the patients aged ≤40 years, the same results as for the overall study were reproduced; in the >40-years group, the same results were reproduced with the exception of morphology, which was not significantly different between the MENA and non-MENA patients.
CONCLUSION
Semen quality is generally lower in male infertility patients from the MENA region compared to non-MENA regions.
PubMed: 29713531
DOI: 10.1016/j.aju.2017.11.018