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Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue = National Journal... Dec 2023The occurrence of varicocele infertility can be attributed to the small and flexural spermatic plexus which constitutes the main structure of spermatic cord.Obstruction...
The occurrence of varicocele infertility can be attributed to the small and flexural spermatic plexus which constitutes the main structure of spermatic cord.Obstruction of blood circulation, stagnation of qi and blood, ultimately leading to infertility. The spermatic plexus ' physiological and pathological symptoms are consistent with the theory of visceral collateral. Based on the theory of visceral collaterals, the varicocele infertility caused by stagnation of liver collateral and deficiency of kidney collateral. And the acupuncture is used to directly act on the relevant points on the meridians, so as to dredge the meridians, strengthen the healthy and expel the evil, and harmonize the yin and yang of visceral, which is more in line with the therapeutic principle of " unblocking the meridians " for collateral diseases. For varicocele infertility caused by liver meridian stasis, it can regulate the liver meridian Chong Ren, eliminate blood stasis and promote stagnation, and be combined with LR3, LI4, GB34, SP6, CV3. For varicocele infertility caused by kidney deficiency and meridian syndrome, it can tonify the kidney meridian Du Yang, warm and disperse the essence, and mainly focus on GV4, CV4, KI3, BL23 and BL43.
Topics: Male; Humans; Varicocele; Acupuncture Therapy; Meridians; Infertility; Syndrome; Acupuncture Points
PubMed: 38639957
DOI: No ID Found -
Georgian Medical News Oct 2022A feature of recent decades is the gradual increase in the level of male infertility, one of the important causes of which, of course, is endocrine dysfunction of...
ULTRASTRUCTURAL FEATURES OF THE REARRANGEMENT OF CELLS OF THE HEMATOTESTICULAR BARRIER AND SPERMATOGENIC EPITHELIUM OF THE RATS TESTICLES AFTER INTRODUCTION OF HIGH DOSES OF PREDNISOLONE.
A feature of recent decades is the gradual increase in the level of male infertility, one of the important causes of which, of course, is endocrine dysfunction of various origins. Therefore, the aim of the study was to establish the features of the rearrangement of the testicle's cellular elements of white rats with the introduction of high doses of prednisolone. An ultrastructural study was carried out on 42 male rats. It has been established that long-term introduction of high doses of prednisolone promotes the activation of spermatogenesis with a progressive increase in immature forms of germ cells and a simultaneous decrease in the specific number of mature spermatozoa. Activation of spermatogenesis occurs against the background of increased blood circulation in the testicles with an increase in the blood supply to their vessels, especially in the early period (7-14 days from the start of use), which may be a consequence of the direct effects of prednisolone stimulating blood circulation. In the long term (14-28 days) there is a decrease in the throughput of small arteries and arterioles against the background of venous stasis, as well as the rate of activation of spermatogenesis, which may be a reaction to the overload of the capillary bed of the testicles and cause further development of organ's ischemia with it.
Topics: Male; Animals; Testis; Prednisolone; Spermatozoa; Spermatogenesis; Epithelium
PubMed: 36539139
DOI: No ID Found -
Medicine Oct 2022The incidence of male infertility is increasing in recent years, and the semen routine examination of some patients is normal, but the semen pathological examination...
BACKGROUND
The incidence of male infertility is increasing in recent years, and the semen routine examination of some patients is normal, but the semen pathological examination shows that the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is high, and the patients' clinical manifestations are infertility or recurrent abortion of their spouses. At present, there is no special treatment for male infertility caused by high DFI, and traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription shows potential value in the treatment of male infertility. Wuwei Fuzheng Yijing formula (WFY) is an effective prescription for the treatment of sperm DNA damage in male infertility, but there is no strict clinical trial to support its application. Therefore, we designed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of WFY in patients with sperm DNA damage in male infertility.
METHODS
In this randomized controlled study, 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into WFY group and levocarnitine oral solution group. The treatment period was 12 weeks. The main observation index was sperm DFI, and the secondary observation index was sperm concentration, motility, survival rate, and TCM syndrome score. Safety observation indicators will include electrocardiogram, blood tests (including blood routine tests, liver and renal function), routine urine tests, and routine stool tests. All results were evaluated at the 4th and 8th week of the baseline, and the end of treatment.
DISCUSSION
This study will provide a basis for the efficacy and safety of WFY in the treatment of sperm DNA damage in male infertility with spleen and kidney qi deficiency and blood stasis.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Male; Humans; Semen; DNA Fragmentation; Infertility, Male; Spermatozoa; DNA Damage; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36316921
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000031226 -
Andrologia Dec 2022To evaluate the changes in testicular stiffness and microcirculation caused by spermatic vein ligation in patients with varicocele, we conducted a case-controlled study....
To evaluate the changes in testicular stiffness and microcirculation caused by spermatic vein ligation in patients with varicocele, we conducted a case-controlled study. A total of 27 grade III left varicocele cases were enrolled. Testicular stiffness and perfusion were evaluated by shear wave elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound during subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy. The external and the internal parenchyma of bilateral testes were selected to compare the shear wave velocity of bilateral testes during the spermatic vein ligation. We mapped and compared the intensity-time curves following bolus contrast injection three times in the same region of interest. Initially, the shear wave velocity of the left internal parenchyma was higher than the right side (1.10 ± 0.06 m/s vs. 1.00 ± 0.03 m/s). It decreased (1.09 ± 0.06 m/s) (p < 0.05) after ligation. Meanwhile, the left epididymis had the higher agent peak intensity (0.90 × 10E-5 AU), the largest area under the curve (80.20 × 10E-5 AU s), and the longest washout area (54.35 × 10E-5 AU s). In addition, the left internal parenchyma presented a sharper slope (0.18 × 10E-5 AU/s) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the spermatic vein ligation improved the perfusion of the internal testicular parenchyma, but it could temporally deteriorate the stasis of the epididymis. These changes caused softer testicular parenchyma.
Topics: Male; Humans; Varicocele; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Veins; Vascular Surgical Procedures; Testis
PubMed: 36217608
DOI: 10.1111/and.14586 -
Pathophysiology : the Official Journal... Oct 2021According to global data, there is a male reproductive potential decrease. Pathogenesis of male infertility is often associated with autoimmunity towards sperm antigens... (Review)
Review
According to global data, there is a male reproductive potential decrease. Pathogenesis of male infertility is often associated with autoimmunity towards sperm antigens essential for fertilization. Antisperm autoantibodies (ASAs) have immobilizing and cytotoxic properties, impairing spermatogenesis, causing sperm agglutination, altering spermatozoa motility and acrosomal reaction, and thus preventing ovum fertilization. Infertility diagnosis requires a mandatory check for the ASAs. The concept of the blood-testis barrier is currently re-formulated, with an emphasis on informational paracrine and juxtacrine effects, rather than simple anatomical separation. The etiology of male infertility includes both autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases but equally develops through autoimmune links of pathogenesis. Varicocele commonly leads to infertility due to testicular ischemic damage, venous stasis, local hyperthermia, and hypoandrogenism. However, varicocelectomy can alter the blood-testis barrier, facilitating ASAs production as well. There are contradictory data on the role of ASAs in the pathogenesis of varicocele-related infertility. Infection and inflammation both promote ASAs production due to "danger concept" mechanisms and because of antigen mimicry. Systemic pro-autoimmune influences like hyperprolactinemia, hypoandrogenism, and hypothyroidism also facilitate ASAs production. The diagnostic value of various ASAs has not yet been clearly attributed, and their cut-levels have not been determined in sera nor in ejaculate. The assessment of the autoimmunity role in the pathogenesis of male infertility is ambiguous, so the purpose of this review is to show the effects of ASAs on the pathogenesis of male infertility.
PubMed: 35366245
DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology28040030 -
Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue = National Journal... Mar 2022To observe the clinical efficacy of "Huayu Jiedu Shengjing Decoction" (HJSD) in the treatment of varicocele (VC)-induced asthenospermic infertility and its action...
OBJECTIVE
To observe the clinical efficacy of "Huayu Jiedu Shengjing Decoction" (HJSD) in the treatment of varicocele (VC)-induced asthenospermic infertility and its action mechanism.
METHODS
Using computer-generated random numbers, we equally divided 88 patients meeting the study criteria into an experimental and a control group, the former treated orally with HJSD plus or minus, while the latter with Maizhiling Tablets and levocarnitine, both for a course of 12 weeks. After medication, we obtained TCM syndrome scores, sperm motility, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), the seminal cord venous ultrasonographic index, and levels of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the seminal plasma from the patients, compared the therapeutic effects between the two groups, and analyzed the correlation among the obtained parameters.
RESULTS
The total effectiveness rate was dramatically higher in the experimental than in the control group (86.04% vs 73.74%, P < 0.01). The TCM syndromes scores, sperm motility, sperm DFI, and seminal plasma NO, ROS and SOD were all more significantly improved in the former than in the latter group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Huayu Jiedu Shengjing Decoction can improve semen quality and reduce TCM syndrome scores without adverse reactions in patients with VC-induced asthenospermic infertility, which may be attributed to its effect of improving antioxidation and local blood flow.
Topics: Humans; Male; Semen Analysis; Infertility, Male; Varicocele; Semen; Reactive Oxygen Species; Sperm Count; Syndrome; Sperm Motility; Asthenozoospermia; Spermatozoa; Superoxide Dismutase
PubMed: 37462962
DOI: No ID Found -
Medicine Mar 2021Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) may hinder embryonic development and growth, increasing the risk of spontaneous miscarriage, and is considered an important factor...
The effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of male infertility associated with sperm DNA fragmentation: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) may hinder embryonic development and growth, increasing the risk of spontaneous miscarriage, and is considered an important factor affecting male infertility (MI). Traditional Chinese herbal medicine is considered effective in the treatment of MI due to SDF by nourishing kidney essence or promoting blood circulation for removing blood stasis. The objective of this systematic review protocol is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese herbal medicine on the treatment of MI associated with SDF.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP Chinese Science, Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Database until the end of 2020 for English and Chinese published literature. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of MI associated with SDF will be included. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by 2 reviewers, and the quality evaluation and risk assessment were assessed by the Cochrane collaboration's tool, and use the RevMan 5.3 software for meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION
This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of MI due to SDF, which may provide some help for the clinician's decision.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020221053.
Topics: DNA Fragmentation; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Spermatozoa; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Systematic Review as Topic
PubMed: 33655953
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000024918 -
Medicine Oct 2020The reproductive dilemma faced by men has always been the focus of the whole society. Idiopathic asthenozoospermia (AZS), as one of the common causes of male...
BACKGROUND
The reproductive dilemma faced by men has always been the focus of the whole society. Idiopathic asthenozoospermia (AZS), as one of the common causes of male infertility, lack of specific treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine has shown potential benefits in the management of male infertility. Yishentongluo decoction (YSTL) is a representative Chinese herbal formula; however, there is still no rigorous clinical trial supporting its application. Therefore, we designed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of YSTL for patients with idiopathic AZS and explain the possible action mechanisms of YSTL in improving sperm motility.
METHODS
In this randomized controlled study, a total of 160 eligible patients will be assigned to YSTL group or the Levocarnitine oral solution group in a 1:1 ratio. The treatment period will be 12 weeks and the follow-up period will last 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be the the progressive (motility), sperm rate (%). Secondary outcomes will include the progressive (motility) + non-progressive (motility) sperm rate(%), total effective sperm count, inner mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in spermatozoa, and spouse pregnancy rate (%). Safety outcomes will cover electrocardiogram , blood tests (including blood routine test, hepatic function, and renal function), urine routine test, and stool routine test. The semen parameters, sperm MMP test, and all the safety outcomes will be performed at the baseline, 4th, 8th and 12th week. The pregnancy outcome will be evaluated at 4 weeks after treatment.
DISCUSSION
This study will provide initial evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of YSTL in the treatment of idiopathic AZS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis pattern. In addition, potential mechanisms of YSTL in improving sperm motility will be explored based on sperm MMP test.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Chinese Clinical Trials Register identifier, ChiCTR2000033290, registered on 26 May 2020.
Topics: Asthenozoospermia; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Male; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 33120757
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022662 -
Proceedings. Biological Sciences Sep 2020The bivalved crustacean ostracods have the richest fossil record of any arthropod group and display complex reproductive strategies contributing to their evolutionary...
The bivalved crustacean ostracods have the richest fossil record of any arthropod group and display complex reproductive strategies contributing to their evolutionary success. Sexual reproduction involving giant sperm, shared by three superfamilies of living ostracod crustaceans, is among the most fascinating behaviours. However, the origin and evolution of this reproductive mechanism has remained largely unexplored because fossil preservation of such features is extremely rare. Here, we report exceptionally preserved ostracods with soft parts (appendages and reproductive organs) in a single piece of mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber (approximately 100 Myr old). The ostracod assemblage is composed of 39 individuals. Thirty-one individuals belong to a new species and genus, gen. et sp. nov., exhibiting an ontogenetic sequence from juveniles to adults (male and female). Seven individuals are assigned to sp. (Cypridoidea, Candonidae, Paracypridinae) and one to sp. (Cytheroidea, Loxoconchidae). Our micro-CT reconstruction provides direct evidence of the male clasper, sperm pumps (Zenker organs), hemipenes, eggs and female seminal receptacles with giant sperm. Our results reveal that the reproduction behavioural repertoire, which is associated with considerable morphological adaptations, has remained unchanged over at least 100 million years-a paramount example of evolutionary stasis. These results also double the age of the oldest unequivocal fossil animal sperm. This discovery highlights the capacity of amber to document invertebrate soft parts that are rarely recorded by other depositional environments.
Topics: Amber; Animals; Arthropods; Crustacea; Female; Fossils; Genitalia; Genitalia, Male; Male; Reproduction; Spermatozoa; X-Ray Microtomography
PubMed: 32933445
DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1661