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Andrology Sep 2018Varicocele is the most common abnormality identified in men being evaluated for subfertility. In this comprehensive review of the pathophysiology of varicocele, we will... (Review)
Review
Varicocele is the most common abnormality identified in men being evaluated for subfertility. In this comprehensive review of the pathophysiology of varicocele, we will shed light on novel pathophysiological findings and their clinical implications that may direct future researches; we will shed light on the impact of transient scrotal hyperthermia and the roles of inflammation and differential protein expression and androgen expression in spermatozoa on inducing pathophysiological findings. Furthermore, we will clarify the linked processes contributing to the pathophysiology of varicocele and the impact of genetics on the induction of these processes. Spermatogenesis is a temperature-sensitive process, and heat stress of varicocele is considered the most plausible cause of impaired spermatogenesis. The three processes associated with the presence of varicocele - heat stress, excess reactive oxygen species, and increased apoptosis - appear to be linked; heat stress is associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, which can induce apoptosis. The genetic role should not be overlooked as a contributing factor in the induction of heat stress, excess reactive oxygen species/oxidative stress, and apoptosis; this is evidenced by the association of varicocele with decreased expression of heat-shock proteins, higher polymorphism of glutathione S transferase and nitric oxide synthase genes, and increased BAX and decreased BCL2 genes and proteins. In this article, we will highlight the need of application of novel diagnostic techniques that can provide a precise pathophysiological diagnosis to guide potential specific innovative therapies. Innovative therapies can counteract the varicocele-induced stasis, suppress the degenerative effects of testicular hyperthermia, reduce the varicocele-induced apoptosis, and target the elevated-neutrophil products aiming at abrogating the testicular damage caused by the induced varicocele in rats/mice. In conclusion, on the basis of the novel scientific research, it may be possible to formulate new treatments and achieve the appropriate selection of patients who can benefit from these treatments.
Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Body Temperature; Cadmium; DNA Damage; Humans; Infertility, Male; Inflammation; Male; Reactive Oxygen Species; Receptors, Androgen; Spermatogenesis; Testis; Varicocele
PubMed: 29978951
DOI: 10.1111/andr.12511 -
Comptes Rendus Biologies 2017Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein (StAR), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), 5α-Reductase (5α-Red), P450...
Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein (StAR), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), 5α-Reductase (5α-Red), P450 aromatase are key enzymes involved in steroidogenesis. Recently, we showed the expression and the localization of P450 aromatase in Podarcis sicula testis during the different phases of the reproductive cycle, showing its involvement in the control of steroidogenesis, particularly in 17β-estradiol synthesis. Now, we have investigated the presence and distribution of the other enzymes involved in steroidogenesis, i.e. StAR, 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD and 5α-Red, during three significant periods of the reproductive cycle: summer stasis (July-August), autumnal resumption (November) and reproductive period (May-June). We demonstrated for the first time that all these enzymes are always present in somatic cells (Leydig and Sertoli) and germ cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes I and II, spermatids and spermatozoa) of Podarcis testis, mainly in spermatids and spermatozoa. The present results strongly suggest that in Podarcis testis both somatic and germ cells could be involved in local sex hormone synthesis and that 5α-Red and P450 could carry out a pivot role.
Topics: 17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; Animals; Estradiol; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Lizards; Male; Reproduction; Seasons; Spermatids; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Testis
PubMed: 29126714
DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2017.10.001 -
Theriogenology Oct 2017This study investigated the effect of exposure to zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites on the characteristics of epididymal spermatozoa, testicular and epididymal...
This study investigated the effect of exposure to zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites on the characteristics of epididymal spermatozoa, testicular and epididymal biometry and histology, and the concentration of testosterone in blood plasma in male wild boars. The study was performed during more than one year on 18 clinically healthy male wild boars with initial and final body weight, of 39 ± 4 kg and 59 ± 3 kg, respectively. The animals were divided into two experimental groups (group I and group II) and one control group (group C) comprising 6 boars per group. Group I animals were administered per os pure zearalenone (ZEN) at 150 μg/kg BW for 7 consecutive days every two months, while group II animals received a dose of 50 μg/kg BW/day via feed that was naturally contaminated with ZEN. These male wild boars were exposed to ZEN over a period of 1 year. Control animals were fed a placebo. Testicles with epididymides of the boars were collected on the last day of the experiment within 3 min after slaughter. Blood samples were collected from each of the male wild boars. Testes and epididymides were measured and sampled for histological examination. Epididymides were dissected and epididymal spermatozoa were harvested. The spermatozoa were diluted with swine-specific BTS extender and stored at 17°C for 144 h. Sperm motility was analyzed with CASA, and other parameters including viability, acrosome integrity, DNA fragmentation index, lipid peroxidation and apoptosis were assessed with flow cytometry. In these wild boars, per os exposure to natural sources of ZEN or a combination of ZEN and its metabolites changed the testicular interstitium and led to modification of some epididymal sperm parameters. The interstitial glands in testes of experimental group I were markedly reduced and hyperemic with evident blood stasis in small capillaries. Also in group I were single degenerating seminiferous tubules. In both groups I and II, immediately after dilution of spermatozoa with BTS remarkable decreases in motility rate as well as in progressive motility and the subpopulation of cells with rapid movement were noted compared with the control group (P < 0.05). But unexpectedly, after 24 h incubation of boar semen in the BTS diluent, these sperm properties improved and were not significantly different from the control group. Thus, exposure to ZEN has no lasting but only a temporary, reversible effect on wild boar sperm motility. There was no influence of exposure to ZEN and its metabolites on the integrity of membranes, intensity of lipid peroxidation and apoptosis or on sperm chromatin structure. This study is the first using these direct measures of sperm motility and integrity to show a redundant adverse effect of ZEN exposure on wild boar sperm characteristics. There were no effects of exposure to ZEN and its metabolites on body weight, testicular and epididymal biometry, gonadosomatic index and the concentration of testosterone in blood plasma in the male wild boars.
Topics: Animals; Epididymis; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Spermatozoa; Sus scrofa; Testis; Testosterone; Zearalenone
PubMed: 28750295
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.07.015 -
The Journal of Experimental Biology Aug 2016P450 aromatase is a key enzyme in steroidogenesis involved in the conversion of testosterone into 17β-estradiol. We investigated the localization and the expression of...
P450 aromatase is a key enzyme in steroidogenesis involved in the conversion of testosterone into 17β-estradiol. We investigated the localization and the expression of P450 aromatase in Podarcis sicula testes during the different phases of the reproductive cycle: summer stasis (July-August), early autumnal resumption (September), middle autumnal resumption (October-November), winter stasis (December-February), spring resumption (March-April) and the reproductive period (May-June). Using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated that the P450 aromatase is always present in somatic and germ cells of P. sicula testis, particularly in spermatids and spermatozoa, except in early autumnal resumption, when P450 aromatase is evident only within Leydig cells. Using real-time PCR and semi-quantitative blot investigations, we also demonstrated that both mRNA and protein were expressed in all phases, with two peaks of expression occurring in summer and in winter stasis. These highest levels of P450 aromatase are in line with the increase of 17β-estradiol, responsible for the spermatogenesis block typical of this species. Differently, in autumnal resumption, the level of P450 aromatase dramatically decreased, along with 17β-estradiol levels, and testosterone titres increased, responsible for the subsequent renewal of spermatogenesis not followed by spermiation. In spring resumption and in the reproductive period we found intermediate P450 aromatase amounts, low levels of 17β-estradiol and the highest testosterone levels determining the resumption of spermatogenesis needed for reproduction. Our results, the first collected in a non-mammalian vertebrate, indicate a role of P450 aromatase in the control of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, particularly in spermiogenesis.
Topics: Animals; Aromatase; Blotting, Western; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Immunohistochemistry; Lizards; Male; RNA, Messenger; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Reproduction; Spermatogenesis; Testis
PubMed: 27489219
DOI: 10.1242/jeb.135996 -
Asian Journal of Andrology 2016Post-vasectomy pain syndrome remains one of the more challenging urological problems to manage. This can be a frustrating process for both the patient and clinician as... (Review)
Review
Post-vasectomy pain syndrome remains one of the more challenging urological problems to manage. This can be a frustrating process for both the patient and clinician as there is no well-recognized diagnostic regimen or reliable effective treatment. Many of these patients will end up seeing physicians across many disciplines, further frustrating them. The etiology of post-vasectomy pain syndrome is not clearly delineated. Postulations include damage to the scrotal and spermatic cord nerve structures via inflammatory effects of the immune system, back pressure effects in the obstructed vas and epididymis, vascular stasis, nerve impingement, or perineural fibrosis. Post-vasectomy pain syndrome is defined as at least 3 months of chronic or intermittent scrotal content pain. This article reviews the current understanding of post-vasectomy pain syndrome, theories behind its pathophysiology, evaluation pathways, and treatment options.
Topics: Anesthetics, Local; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Anticonvulsants; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; Chronic Pain; Denervation; Disease Management; Epididymis; Humans; Male; Microsurgery; Orchiectomy; Pain, Postoperative; Pelvic Floor; Physical Therapy Modalities; Spermatic Cord; Testicular Diseases; Vasectomy; Vasovasostomy
PubMed: 26952956
DOI: 10.4103/1008-682X.175090 -
Journal of Evolutionary Biology Apr 2016Sperm morphological traits are highly variable among species and are commonly thought to evolve by post-copulatory sexual selection. However, little is known about the...
Sperm morphological traits are highly variable among species and are commonly thought to evolve by post-copulatory sexual selection. However, little is known about the evolutionary dynamics of sperm morphology, and whether rates of evolutionary change are variable over time and among taxonomic groups. Here, we examine sperm morphology from 21 species of Old World leaf warblers (Phylloscopidae), a group of generally dull, sexually monochromatic birds, which are known to have high levels of extra-pair paternity. We found that sperm length differs markedly across species, spanning about 40% of the range observed across a larger selection of passerine birds. Furthermore, we found strong support for an 'early-burst' model of trait evolution, implying that the majority of divergence in sperm length has occurred early in the evolutionary history of this clade with subsequent evolutionary stasis. This large early divergence matches the early divergence reported in ecological traits (i.e. body size and feeding behaviour). Our findings demonstrate that rates of evolution in sperm morphology can change over time in passerine taxa, and that evolutionary stasis in sperm traits can occur even in species exhibiting characteristics consistent with moderate-to-high levels of sperm competition. It remains a major challenge to identify the selection mechanisms and possible constraints responsible for these variable rates of sperm evolution.
Topics: Animals; Body Size; Male; Organ Size; Passeriformes; Phylogeny; Spermatozoa; Testis
PubMed: 26781541
DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12826 -
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England) May 2015How do day and night scrotal temperatures, spermatogenesis parameters, sex hormones and intratesticular perfusion in obese men and men with a varicocele compare with...
STUDY QUESTION
How do day and night scrotal temperatures, spermatogenesis parameters, sex hormones and intratesticular perfusion in obese men and men with a varicocele compare with healthy controls?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Compared with healthy controls, 24-h monitoring of scrotal temperature in men with a varicocele and obese men showed higher temperatures and this condition was related to a significant alteration of spermatogenesis and stasis of testicular perfusion.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Several studies have shown that increased scrotal temperature has dramatic effects on spermatogenesis. Scrotal hyperthermia by exposure to sauna is able to induce a significant alteration of sperm production.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION
In a case-control study, data were collected over a period of 2 years from 60 subjects with risk factors for testicular heating and 20 healthy subjects who consecutively attended an andrology unit as participants in an infertility prevention program.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING AND METHODS
Forty subjects with a left varicocele, 20 obese men and 20 healthy subjects who served as controls, were evaluated for testicular volumes, sex hormones, sperm parameters, sperm aneuploidies, mean transit time (MTT) of intratesticular blood and 24-h scrotal temperature monitoring by a cutaneous thermochip. Subjects with a varicocele were further subgrouped on the basis of normo or oligozoospermia (VN and VO). Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
We found a significant increase in 24-h mean scrotal temperature in obese men and men with a varicocele compared with controls (both P < 0.01). This increase in scrotal temperature was associated with impaired sperm parameters and higher FSH plasma levels compared with controls. Dynamic evaluation of scrotal temperatures showed wide fluctuations in controls, but little variation in obese men and men with a varicocele. Men with VO had left and right increase in scrotal temperatures (the right was increased also versus VN, P < 0.01) (both P < 0.001). Men with VN showed a left scrotal temperature higher than controls (P < 0.01) and a right scrotal temperature no different from controls (34.92 ± 0.53 and 34.66 ± 0.65, respectively). Mean MTT values recorded in men with VO were significantly higher than men with VN and obese men (both P < 0.001).
LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION
Different lifestyle, diet, occupation, stress level and environmental temperatures due to seasonal conditions are major limitations of this study.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Our data suggested for the first time that dynamic evaluation of scrotal temperatures seems to reflect alterations of testicular function and perfusion in obese men and men with a varicocele. In these clinical conditions, spermatogenic impairment and scrotal heating seem to be related to different mechanisms. The dynamic evaluation of scrotal temperature in subjects with risk factors for testicular heating could allow the identification of subjects needing treatment or a change in lifestyle.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS
No external funding was sought for this study, and the authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
Topics: Adult; Body Mass Index; Body Temperature; Case-Control Studies; Chromosomes; Healthy Volunteers; Hormones; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Monitoring, Physiologic; Obesity; Oligospermia; Risk Factors; Scrotum; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Testis; Ultrasonography; Varicocele
PubMed: 25779699
DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev057