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Frontiers in Cell and Developmental... 2024Over 8% of couples worldwide are affected by infertility and nearly half of these cases are due to male-specific issues where the underlying cause is often unknown....
Over 8% of couples worldwide are affected by infertility and nearly half of these cases are due to male-specific issues where the underlying cause is often unknown. Therefore, discovery of new genetic factors contributing to male-specific infertility in model organisms can enhance our understanding of the etiology of this disorder. Here we show that murine ATP10A, a phospholipid flippase, is highly expressed in male reproductive organs, specifically the testes and vas deferens. Therefore, we tested the influence of ATP10A on reproduction by examining fertility of knockout mice. Our findings reveal that deficiency leads to male-specific infertility, but does not perturb fertility in the females. The deficient male mice exhibit smaller testes, reduced sperm count (oligozoospermia) and lower sperm motility (asthenozoospermia). Additionally, deficient mice display testes and vas deferens histopathological abnormalities, as well as altered total and relative amounts of hormones associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Surprisingly, circulating testosterone is elevated 2-fold in the knockout mice while luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and inhibin B levels were not significantly different from WT littermates. The knockout mice also exhibit elevated levels of gonadotropin receptors and alterations to ERK, p38 MAPK, Akt, and cPLA-dependent signaling in the testes. was knocked out in the C57BL/6J background, which also carries an inactivating nonsense mutation in the closely related lipid flippase, We have corrected the nonsense mutation using CRISPR/Cas9 and determined that loss of alone is sufficient to cause infertility in male mice. Collectively, these findings highlight the critical role of ATP10A in male fertility in mice and provide valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms.
PubMed: 38415274
DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1310593 -
Animal Reproduction Science Jan 2024The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of different percentages of seminal plasma (SP) during the cooling at 5 °C of alpaca spermatozoa...
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of different percentages of seminal plasma (SP) during the cooling at 5 °C of alpaca spermatozoa from vas deferens. Fifteen pools of sperm from vas deferens were evaluated and then divided into four aliquots that were diluted to a final concentration of 30 × 10 sperm/ml with either: (1) Tris with 20% egg yolk (T-EY) (control, 0% SP), (2) T-EY with 10% SP, (3) T-EY with 25% SP, and (4) T-EY with 50% SP. Samples were cooled at 5 °C and the following sperm parameters were evaluated after 24 and 48 h of storage: motility, viability, membrane function, acrosome integrity, morphology, and chromatin condensation. Motility was also evaluated after 72 h of storage. A significant decrease in progressive and total sperm motility was observed in samples cooled with 50% SP with respect to all diluted samples, while these parameters were preserved in samples cooled with 0%, 10%, and 25% SP. The percentages of sperm viability, normal morphology, and highly condensed chromatin did not change after the cooling process and were similar between cooled samples. Although a significant decrease was observed in the percentage of spermatozoa with functional membranes and with an intact acrosome in all refrigerated samples compared to raw sperm, the greatest decrease was observed in samples cooled with 50% SP. No advantage was observed from the addition of SP to alpaca spermatozoa obtained from vas deferens and being cooled. In addition, to preserve the sperm motility of cooled samples for up to 72 h, it should be recommended to include a 10% SP in the extender.
Topics: Male; Animals; Semen; Camelids, New World; Sperm Motility; Semen Preservation; Spermatozoa; Chromatin
PubMed: 38061197
DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107383 -
Urology Dec 2023To investigate the prevalence and treatment rates of low testosterone (T) in men with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a genetic disease with highly variable presentation...
Prevalence of Low Testosterone in Men With Cystic Fibrosis and Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens: A Cross-sectional Study Using a Large, Multi-institutional Database.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence and treatment rates of low testosterone (T) in men with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a genetic disease with highly variable presentation that results from a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Phenotypic manifestations of CF include alterations in function of the lungs, liver, pancreas, and reproductive system. Despite the well-described association between CF and infertility secondary to congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), men with CF report further sexual and reproductive health concerns, many of which are often associated with low testosterone.
METHODS
We queried the TrinetX database for men over 18years old with CF or CBAVD to assess what percentage of men had a T level measured, and if hypogonadal (below 300 ng/dL), what percentage received T therapy (TT). We hypothesized that low T would be under-evaluated in the CF population.
RESULTS
Serum T levels were measured in 10.1% of men with CF and 8.9% of men with CBAVD. Within each group, 464 men with CF (32.7%) and 132 with CBAVD (43.0%) demonstrated low T. The majority of men with T < 300 ng/dL went on to appropriately receive TT: 59.3% of men with CF and 78% with CBAVD.
CONCLUSION
Our data suggests that hypogonadism is highly prevalent in men with CF and CBAVD. Investigation and appropriate treatment of testosterone deficiency may significantly improve quality of life.
Topics: Humans; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cystic Fibrosis; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator; Infertility, Male; Mutation; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Testosterone; Vas Deferens
PubMed: 37716455
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2023.08.039 -
Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia Nov 2023Thirteen black agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) male fetuses, acquired in two areas of the Amazon Forest, were used for the purpose of morphologically describing the fetal...
Thirteen black agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa) male fetuses, acquired in two areas of the Amazon Forest, were used for the purpose of morphologically describing the fetal male urogenital organs with a focus on addressing histological and macroscopic aspects. The organs of interest were dissected and photographed in situ and ex situ. Fragments were collected and subjected to routine histological processing for inclusion in paraffin, which was cut and stained by haematoxylin and eosin and Gomori's Trichrome methods and subsequently analysed in a light microscope. The results showed that the urinary tract is like that of domestic animals and is composed of smooth unilobed kidneys covered by a dense capsule of connective tissue and divided into two well-defined regions, cortical and medullary. Ureters, urethra and urinary bladder also showed macroscopic and microscopic characteristics similar to those of domestic animals. The penis of these animals has fibroelastic characteristics, with numerous keratinized structures at its apex. In the middle third of the penis, a "U" shaped penile flexure was seen; the glans penis is covered by a keratinized epidermis containing horny spicules. The presence of a penile bone in an endochondral ossification process was observed, being more developed in gestational ages greater than 76 days. The annex glands were not observed, probably because they were fetuses; only the ampulla of the ductus deferens was identified.
Topics: Male; Animals; Dasyproctidae; Sex Differentiation; Penis; Urethra; Vas Deferens; Cuniculidae
PubMed: 37605845
DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12955 -
Asian Journal of Surgery Oct 2023Inguinal hernia is a common condition; however, irreducible inguinal hernias are rare. In this retrospective study, two laparoscopic procedures for irreducible inguinal...
BACKGROUND
Inguinal hernia is a common condition; however, irreducible inguinal hernias are rare. In this retrospective study, two laparoscopic procedures for irreducible inguinal hernia were compared.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study cohort comprised 88 patients who had undergone laparoscopic repair of primary irreducible inguinal hernias between 1 June 2011 and 31 December 2019. The patients were retrospectively divided into Hybrid (Group H) and Standard Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Groups (Group S). Patient characteristics, hernia details, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were compared between study groups.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index, hernia type, operation time, hospital stay, cost, and duration of follow-up. No recurrence or surgical site infection occurred in either group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in incidence of spermatic vessel injury (0% vs. 2.04%, P = 0.370), vas deferens injury (0% vs. 6.12%, P = 0.116), epigastric vessels injury (0% vs. 4.08%, P = 0.202), scrotal hematoma (7.69% vs. 2.04%, P = 0.206), dysuria (5.13% vs. 8.16%, P = 0.575), fever (17.95% vs. 16.32%, P = 0.841), seroma (25.64% vs. 32.65%, P = 0.474), chronic pain (0% vs. 2.04%, P = 0.370), sensation of a foreign body (2.56% vs. 2.04%, P = 0.870), or pain on ejaculation (0% vs. 2.04%, P = 0.370). The incidence of acute pain was higher in Group H than in Group S (43.59% vs. 8.16%, P = 0.000).
CONCLUSION
The hybrid TAPP procedure is a safe and feasible means of treating irreducible inguinal hernias. Though it is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative acute pain than the standard TAPP procedure, it may have advantages in avoiding injuries to the vas deferens and spermatic vessels.
Topics: Male; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Hernia, Inguinal; Acute Pain; Herniorrhaphy; Laparoscopy; Pain, Postoperative; Surgical Mesh; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36642546
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2022.12.040 -
Journal of Biochemistry Dec 2023Some aquatic invertebrates contain free d-alanine. We previously showed copious amounts of free d-glutamate, a novel d-amino acid, in the tissue of the male reproductive...
Some aquatic invertebrates contain free d-alanine. We previously showed copious amounts of free d-glutamate, a novel d-amino acid, in the tissue of the male reproductive organs of Marsupenaeus japonicus. Herein, we clarified the distribution and potential role of d-glutamate and d-alanine in male reproductive tissues, namely the testis, vas deferens and seminal receptacle at different growth stages of M. japonicus. The percentage of d-glutamate to total glutamate was over 50% in these tissues. In particular, the content of d-glutamate was the most abundant in the vas deferens, the ratio of d-glutamate to total glutamate was approximately 80%. In contrast, d-alanine content was the lowest in the vas deferens among these tissues. d-Glutamate content was the highest when the prawn weighed 12 g, indicating that d-glutamate is actively synthesized in the younger stage. Our findings suggest that d-glutamate plays an important role in the reproductive functions of M. japonicus.
Topics: Animals; Male; Amino Acids; Glutamic Acid; Alanine; Penaeidae
PubMed: 37787512
DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad072 -
Three-dimensional ultrastructural and anatomical analysis of prostatic neuroendocrine cells in mice.The Prostate Jun 2024A few studies have examined the ultrastructure of prostatic neuroendocrine cells (NECs), and no study has focused on their ultrastructure in three dimensions. In this...
BACKGROUND
A few studies have examined the ultrastructure of prostatic neuroendocrine cells (NECs), and no study has focused on their ultrastructure in three dimensions. In this study, three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis of mouse prostatic NECs was performed to clarify their anatomical characteristics.
METHODS
Three 13-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were deeply anesthetized, perfused with physiological saline and 2% paraformaldehyde, and then placed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate (pH 7.3) buffer for electron microscopy. After perfusion, the lower urinary tract, which included the bladder, prostate, coagulation gland, seminal vesicle, upper vas deferens, and urethra, was removed, and the specimen was cut into small cubes and subjected to postfixation and en bloc staining. Three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis was performed on NECs, the surrounding cells, tissues, and nerves using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope tomography.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven serial sections were used in the present study, and 32 mouse prostatic NECs were analyzed. Morphologically, the NECs could be classified into three types: flask, flat, and closed. Closed-shaped NECs were always adjacent to flask-shaped cells. The flask-shaped and flat NECs were in direct contact with the ductal lumen and always had microvilli at their contact points. Many of the NECs had accompanying nerves, some of which terminated on the surface in contact with the NEC.
CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis of mouse prostatic NECs was performed. These cells can be classified into three types based on shape. Novel findings include the presence of microvilli at their points of contact with the ductal lumen and the presence of accompanying nerves.
Topics: Animals; Male; Prostate; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neuroendocrine Cells; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
PubMed: 38590054
DOI: 10.1002/pros.24705 -
Microscopy and Microanalysis : the... Jul 2023This study aimed to clarify the three-dimensional ultrastructure of head-side mice spermatozoa mitochondria. Six 13-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were deeply anesthetized,...
Three-Dimensional Ultrastructural Analysis of the Head-Most Mitochondrial Roots of Mice Spermatozoa Using Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB/SEM) Tomography.
This study aimed to clarify the three-dimensional ultrastructure of head-side mice spermatozoa mitochondria. Six 13-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were deeply anesthetized, perfused with 2% paraformaldehyde, and placed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate buffer (pH 7.3) for electron microscopy. After perfusion, the vas deferens was removed, and the specimens were cut into small cubes and subjected to postfixation and en bloc staining. Three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis was performed on five mitochondria on the spermatozoa head using conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) tomography. Conventional TEM analysis showed that head-side mitochondria were not spiral in morphology but clearly horizontal to the sperm axis. However, this was difficult to evaluate further using conventional TEM. In the FIB/SEM analysis, the first and second head-most mitochondria were flat and straight, with no helix, and shaped as an attachment plug with two electrodes, and their tail side contacted the third mitochondrion. The third mitochondrion was shorter than the fourth and fifth and had a semicircular arching structure. The fourth and fifth mitochondria were spiral-shaped and intertwined. The redundant nuclear envelope encircled the head-most mitochondria. This ultrastructural analysis clarified that the head-most mitochondria have a unique morphology.
Topics: Male; Animals; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Seeds; Spermatozoa; Mitochondria
PubMed: 37488820
DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad055 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Jul 2023Sexual dysfunction after inguinal hernia complication is considered rare. However, its consequences impact on quality of life inevitably. Laparoscopic and open inguinal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Sexual dysfunction after inguinal hernia complication is considered rare. However, its consequences impact on quality of life inevitably. Laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair may be comparable in terms of recurrent rate, overall complications, and chronic pain. Therefore, its complication is still questionable between these approaches. In this study, we compared sexual dysfunction and related complications between laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair.
METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies were performed to compare laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used as pooled effect size measures.
RESULT
Thirty RCTs (12,022 patients) were included. Overall, 6014 (50.02%) underwent laparoscopic hernia repair, and 6008 (49.98%) underwent open hernia repair. Laparoscopic approach provided non-significance benefit on pain during sexual activity (RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.18, 1.76), Vas deferens injury (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.13, 1.63), orchitis (RR 0.84; CI 0.61,1.17), scrotal hematoma (RR 0.99; CI 0.62,1.60), and testicular atrophy (RR 0.46; CI 0.17,1.20). Meanwhile, the open inguinal hernia approach seems to perform better for cord seroma complications and testicular pain.
CONCLUSION
There is no advantage of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair over an open approach concerning sexual dysfunction. On the contrary, there is an increasing risk of cord seroma after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with statistical significance.
Topics: Male; Humans; Hernia, Inguinal; Seroma; Laparoscopy; Chronic Pain; Herniorrhaphy; Surgical Mesh
PubMed: 37450061
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-023-03006-z -
BMC Infectious Diseases Jan 2024To assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the diagnosis of tuberous vas deferens tuberculosis (VD TB) and improve the positive diagnostic rate of VD...
BACKGROUND
To assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the diagnosis of tuberous vas deferens tuberculosis (VD TB) and improve the positive diagnostic rate of VD TB.
METHODS
CEUS and routine ultrasound (US) images of 17 patients with tuberous VD TB confirmed by surgery, pathology, or laboratory semen examination were retrospectively analyzed and summarized, and the positive rates of both imaging techniques were compared.
RESULTS
The 19 VD lesions of the 17 patients were divided into two types according to the CEUS findings: Type I and Type II, and type II was divided into Types IIa, IIb, and IIc. Of the nodules with transverse diameters > 1 cm, 100% presented as type II. Of the nodules with transverse diameters < 1 cm, 37.5% (3/8) presented as type I and 62.5% (5/8) presented as type II. The sonographic manifestations of tuberous VD TB were hypoechoic and mixed echoic. The positive diagnostic rate was 89.5% for CEUS and 68.4% for US, but the difference was not significant (χ = 2.533; P = 0.111).
CONCLUSIONS
CEUS was able to show the blood supply characteristics of tuberous VD TB, the internal necrosis of nodules was more easily observed by CEUS than by routine US, which is helpful for the diagnosis of tuberous VD TB.
Topics: Male; Humans; Vas Deferens; Retrospective Studies; Contrast Media; Ultrasonography; Necrosis
PubMed: 38166757
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08886-6