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Current Issues in Molecular Biology Dec 2022Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as a member of the nerve growth factor family, has been mentioned more and more frequently in recent literature reports. Among... (Review)
Review
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as a member of the nerve growth factor family, has been mentioned more and more frequently in recent literature reports. Among them, content about the male genitourinary system is also increasing. BDNF plays an important role in the male genitourinary system. At the same time, the literature in this field is constantly increasing. Therefore, we systematically summarized the literature in order to more intuitively show the function of BDNF and its receptor in the male genitourinary system and its potential clinical application. An electronic search of, e.g., PubMed, scholar.google and Scopus, for articles relating to BDNF and its receptor in the male genitourinary system. In the male genitourinary system, BDNF and its receptors TrkB and p75 participate in a series of normal physiological activities, such as the maturation and morphogenesis of testes and epididymis and maintenance of isolated sperm motility. Similarly, an imbalance of the circulating concentration of BDNF also mediates the pathophysiological process of many diseases, such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, male infertility, diabetes erectile dysfunction, penile sclerosis, and bladder fibrosis. As a consequence, we conclude that BDNF and its receptor are key regulatory proteins in the male genitourinary system, which can be used as potential therapeutic targets and markers for disease diagnosis.
PubMed: 36661494
DOI: 10.3390/cimb45010008 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) May 2023To retrospective analysis and summary the features of tuberous vas deferens tuberculosis (VD TB) and inguinal metastatic lymph nodes (MLN) in routine ultrasound (US) and...
PURPOSE
To retrospective analysis and summary the features of tuberous vas deferens tuberculosis (VD TB) and inguinal metastatic lymph nodes (MLN) in routine ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) as well as to assess the utility of CEUS in differentiating between the two diseases.
METHODS
The US and CEUS findings of patients with pathologically confirmed tuberous VD TB ( = 17) and inguinal MLN ( = 28), including the number of lesions, presence of bilateral disease, differences in internal echogenicity, a conglomeration of lesions, and blood flow within the lesions, were retrospectively analyzed.
RESULTS
Routine US showed no significant difference in the number of lesions, nodule size, internal echogenicity, sinus tract, or skin rupture; however, significant differences were observed between the two conditions in the conglomeration of lesions (χ = 6.455; = 0.023) and the degree, intensity, and echogenicity pattern on CEUS (χ = 18.865, 17.455, and 15.074, respectively; = 0.000 for all).
CONCLUSIONS
CEUS can show the blood supply of the lesion, and judge the physical condition of the lesion better than US. Homogeneous, centripetal, and diffuse enhancement should prompt a diagnosis of inguinal MLN, whereas lesions with heterogeneous and diffuse enhancement on CEUS should be considered as VD TB. CEUS has great diagnostic value in differentiating between tuberous VD TB and inguinal MLN.
PubMed: 37238246
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13101762 -
International Braz J Urol : Official... 2024This video aims to present an in-depth, step-by-step tutorial on microsurgical reconstruction for obstructive azoospermia, featuring a distinctive case involving...
PURPOSE
This video aims to present an in-depth, step-by-step tutorial on microsurgical reconstruction for obstructive azoospermia, featuring a distinctive case involving anastomosis from vas deferens to rete testis. The primary aim of this endeavor is to offer thorough and practical insights for healthcare professionals and researchers within the realm of reproductive medicine. The video endeavors to disseminate expertise, methodologies, and perspectives that can be advantageous to individuals grappling with obstructive azoospermia, providing a significant contribution to the progress of reproductive medicine and the augmentation of existing treatment alternatives.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Surgical footage was recorded using the ORBEYE 4K 3D Orbital Camera System by Olympus America, with patient consent acquired for research purposes. Additionally, a retrospective examination of patient records was undertaken to compile relevant medical histories.
RESULTS
This video furnishes an exhaustive guide to microsurgical reconstruction for obstructive azoospermia, encompassing a distinctive instance of anastomosis from vas deferens to rete testis. State-of-the-art technology, such as the ORBEYE 4K 3D Orbital Camera, heightens procedural transparency, accentuating the significance of advanced instrumentation. The ethical underpinning is emphasized by obtaining patient consent for footage utilization, and a retrospective chart review augments the repository of valuable patient data. This comprehensive approach serves as an invaluable reservoir of knowledge for medical professionals and underscores excellence in clinical and ethical healthcare research.
CONCLUSIONS
Anastomosis from vas deferens to rete testis emerges as a viable surgical reconstruction alternative for obstructive azoospermia, particularly when confronted with non-dilated tubules within the epididymis.
Topics: Male; Humans; Vas Deferens; Rete Testis; Azoospermia; Retrospective Studies; Epididymis; Anastomosis, Surgical; Testis
PubMed: 38598831
DOI: 10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2024.0099 -
International Journal of Fertility &... Aug 2022We aim to determine the prevalence of renal anomalies in patients with congenital vas deferens agenesis referred for infertility assessment.
Materials and Methods:...We aim to determine the prevalence of renal anomalies in patients with congenital vas deferens agenesis referred for infertility assessment.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on eligible infertile men from 2016 to 2019. Infertile men who were suspected of obstructive azoospermia were referred to the Ultrasound ward and they were examined by abdominal ultrasound for detecting the genital and kidney anomalies. An informed consent form was filled out by patients. Data was entered into SPSS software 21. Patients were divided into two groups in terms of congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) or congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens (CUAVD). Using the Chi-square test kidney anomalies between groups were compared. The P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The mean age of participants was 33.05 ± 6.35. The frequency of CBAVD was 66 and the frequency of left side VD and right side VD were 23 and 21, respectively. The percentage of other comorbidities was calculated. Out of 110 cases, 12 (11%) men had coexistence of vas deferens and kidney agenesis. Other studies are in agreement with our findings. Although the percentage of CBAVD and CUAVD were 9.1% and 1.8% respectively, the difference was not significant (P=0.07).
Conclusion: Considering the fact that kidney agenesis is a remarkable congenital anomaly that coexists with the majority of vas deferens agenesis cases and could not be detected by routine laboratory tests or transrectal ultrasound
examination, it should be ruled out with transabdominal ultrasound examination after detection of vas deferens agenesis.PubMed: 36029049
DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2021.535148.1166 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Apr 2023The objective was to characterize morphological, morphometric, and ultrastructural changes in rhea spermatozoa between the epididymis and the vas deferens. Sperm samples...
The objective was to characterize morphological, morphometric, and ultrastructural changes in rhea spermatozoa between the epididymis and the vas deferens. Sperm samples were collected from the reproductive tracts of seven adult individuals and evaluated for sperm characteristics using brightfield microscopy as well as ultrastructural features using scanning electron microscopy (SM). Mean sperm count tended to increase in the vas deferens (378.0 ± 135.0 × 10) compared to the epididymis (201.0 ± 77.4 × 10). Percentages of motile sperm grew from 37.0 ± 4.9% in the epididymis to 58.5 ± 7.7% in the vas deferens. The proportion of normal spermatozoa was 75.6 ± 1.8% and most common defects were bent tails (9.7 ± 0.9%). However, these proportions were not different between epididymis and vas deferens. SM analysis revealed further features of rhea spermatozoa. Normal rhea spermatozoa were threadlike with an acrosome (0.95 ± 0.0 µm), head (7.53 ± 0.01 µm), midpiece (2.08 ± 0.01 µm), and tail (30.7 ± 0.06 µm). Lengths of sperm acrosome, head, midpiece, and tail were longer in the vas deferens compared to the epididymis. Our findings suggest that rhea spermatozoa undergo a maturation process during the passage from the epididymis to the vas deferens.
PubMed: 37174520
DOI: 10.3390/ani13091483 -
Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences 2019Genital tuberculosis (GTB) is uncommon, and the most common genital sites of tuberculous infection are epididymis and prostate; isolated testicular TB is extremely rare,...
Genital tuberculosis (GTB) is uncommon, and the most common genital sites of tuberculous infection are epididymis and prostate; isolated testicular TB is extremely rare, comprising only 3% of GTB. The usual modes of genital involvement include descending infection from the kidneys, intracanalicular or direct extension from neighboring foci in the genital tract, and hematogenous dissemination. Ultrasonography (USG) and USG-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology of testicular swelling may confirm the diagnosis of GTB. Anti-TB chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment to ensure the complete resolution of the lesion. Infertility in GTB is a result of obstruction at the terminal portion of the ejaculatory duct, resulting in dilatation of the proximal ductal system including the vas deferens preventing seminal vesicle secretions from reaching the ejaculate. Seminal vesicle secretions make up the bulk of the ejaculate, contain fructose, and alkalinize the ejaculate, and with obstruction, patients present with azoospermia or aspermia. Here, we present a rare case of extensive primary GTB in a 36-year-old male.
PubMed: 31576086
DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.JHRS_3_19 -
Journal of the Formosan Medical... Dec 2019Congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) is a special entity in obstructive azoospermia. Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator... (Review)
Review
Congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) is a special entity in obstructive azoospermia. Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene are involved in Taiwanese CBAVD but most heterozygous 5T variant. The solute carrier family 9 isoform 3 (SLC9A3) is the Na+/H+ exchanger, which interacts with CFTR and regulates the Ca2+ homeostasis. Loss of SLC9A3 decreases CFTR protein and causes obstructive azoospermia in mice. It also causes mal-reabsorption by the efferent tubules, which leads to the obstructive phenomenon and eventually results in testicular atrophy. In 6-month old SLC9A3 deficiency mice, the atrophy of their vas deferens and seminal vesicles become more prominent. Decreases of CFTR expression in the reproductive organ in the SLC9A3 deficient (-/-) mice prove the interaction between CFTR and SLC9A3 in the reproductive tract. Most of Taiwanese CBAVD have at least one variant of SLC9A3 deletion and CFTR IVS8-5T, which co-contribute to Taiwanese CBAVD. The report indicates SLC9A3 deficiency can reverse the pathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract of CF mice. Further research can explore the definite mechanism of SLC9A3 and its role interacting with CFTR in different organ systems, which can contribute to novel treatment for the patients with cystic fibrosis and CBAVD.
Topics: Animals; Asian People; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Heterozygote; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Male Urogenital Diseases; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Mutation; Sodium-Hydrogen Exchanger 3; Vas Deferens
PubMed: 30797621
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2019.01.019 -
Molecular Human Reproduction Aug 2022Vasectomy is a widely used surgical technique creating an obstructive azoospermia. Although sperm cannot be ejaculated, the testis maintains sperm production in...
Vasectomy is a widely used surgical technique creating an obstructive azoospermia. Although sperm cannot be ejaculated, the testis maintains sperm production in vasectomized males. The continuous accumulation of sperm deposited in the epididymis and the vas deferens fraction necessarily need to be degraded and eliminated. While the elimination process is carried out by granulomas that form after vasectomy, the detailed mechanisms of sperm degradation are still not known. The aim was to assess whether sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF), a mechanism that degrades the entire sperm genome at the toroid linker regions (TLRs), is activated after vasectomy in sperm cells. We vasectomized mice and evaluated the presence of TLR-specific double-strand breaks through pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and the Comet assay at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after surgery. Results for DNA damage (Olive tail moment) at single-cell level showed an increase of double-strand breaks after vasectomy for vas deferens sperm after 1, 2 and 3 weeks postvasectomy (21.78 ± 2.29; 19.71 ± 1.79 and 32.59 ± 1.81, respectively), compared to mock surgery (7.04 ± 1.03; 10.10 ± 1.29 and 8.64 ± 0.85, respectively; P < 0.001). Similar findings were obtained for cauda epididymis sperm (P < 0.001), but not for caput epididymis (P > 0.05). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed the presence of double-stranded breaks between 15 and 145 kb, indicating that DNA breaks were produced mainly in the sperm TLRs. Results presented here suggest that SCF is a mechanism activated in vas deferens after vasectomy to degrade sperm DNA when they cannot be ejaculated, preventing their function.
Topics: Animals; Chromatin; DNA; DNA Breaks; Epididymis; Male; Mice; Semen; Spermatozoa; Vas Deferens; Vasectomy
PubMed: 35929777
DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac029 -
ELife Jul 2020Following testicular spermatogenesis, mammalian sperm continue to mature in a long epithelial tube known as the epididymis, which plays key roles in remodeling sperm...
Following testicular spermatogenesis, mammalian sperm continue to mature in a long epithelial tube known as the epididymis, which plays key roles in remodeling sperm protein, lipid, and RNA composition. To understand the roles for the epididymis in reproductive biology, we generated a single-cell atlas of the murine epididymis and vas deferens. We recovered key epithelial cell types including principal cells, clear cells, and basal cells, along with associated support cells that include fibroblasts, smooth muscle, macrophages and other immune cells. Moreover, our data illuminate extensive regional specialization of principal cell populations across the length of the epididymis. In addition to region-specific specialization of principal cells, we find evidence for functionally specialized subpopulations of stromal cells, and, most notably, two distinct populations of clear cells. Our dataset extends on existing knowledge of epididymal biology, and provides a wealth of information on potential regulatory and signaling factors that bear future investigation.
Topics: Animals; Epididymis; Male; Mice; Single-Cell Analysis; Vas Deferens
PubMed: 32729827
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.55474 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2022The study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of ultrasound in children's transverse testicular ectopia (TTE).
OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of ultrasound in children's transverse testicular ectopia (TTE).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively studies all TTE cases diagnosed in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2021. All cases were evaluated by ultrasound examination and compared to physical examination and diagnostic laparoscopy results.
RESULTS
This study included 14 TTE patients in total, with a median age was 1.08 years. In the 14 TTE, physical examination found 10 TTE cases, of which nine testes were located in the opposite scrotum, one testis was located in the opposite groin, and the other four testes were not observed by physical examination. All cases were diagnosed by preoperative ultrasound, and nine testes were located in the opposite scrotum, two testes were located in the opposite groin, and three testes were located next to the opposite iliac vessel in the abdominal cavity. Preoperative ultrasound showed the ectopic spermatic cord in six cases (6/14, 42.8%) and persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) in one case (1/14, 7%). Diagnostic laparoscopy finally confirmed 14 cases of TTE, which was consistent with preoperative ultrasound, and the coincidence rate was 100% (14/14). Among the 14 cases of TTE, diagnostic laparoscopy showed that 12 cases had ectopic spermatic vessels and vas deferens (12/14, 85.7%), and six cases were associated with PMDS (6/14, 42.8%). When TTE was associated with the ectopic spermatic cord and PMDS, the diagnostic performance of diagnostic laparoscopy was better than that of preoperative ultrasound ( < 0.05). The testis volume of the affected side of TTE was less than that of the contralateral testis ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Ultrasonography is very helpful for the preoperative diagnosis of TTE in children, and it is suitable as a non-surgical method for locating ectopictestis. Preoperative assessment of the exact presence of PMDS is difficult and unclear. This may be related to factors such as pelvic developmental stages in infancy, examination techniques, and atypical imaging findings of PMDS.
PubMed: 36061385
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.914139