-
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Male infertility is a multifaceted issue that has gained scientific interest due to its increasing rate. Studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress is involved in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Protective effects of melatonin against oxidative stress induced by metabolic disorders in the male reproductive system: a systematic review and meta-analysis of rodent models.
BACKGROUND
Male infertility is a multifaceted issue that has gained scientific interest due to its increasing rate. Studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress is involved in male infertility development. Furthermore, metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, hypo- and hyperthyroidism, are risk factors for male infertility, and oxidative stress is believed to contribute to this association. Melatonin, functioning as an oxidative scavenger, may represent a promising therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorder-associated male infertility.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We systematically searched three online databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) for studies that evaluated the effects of melatonin therapy on metabolic disorders-induce infertility in male rodents. The favorable outcomes were histopathological parameters of testicular tissue, reproductive hormones, and markers of oxidative stress. Then, meta-analyses were done for each outcome. The results are reported as standardized mean difference (Cohen's d) and 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
24 studies with 31 outcomes were included. Rats and mice were the subjects. Studies have employed obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hyperlipidemia, and food deprivation as metabolic disorders. To induce these disorders, a high-fat diet, high-fructose diet, leptin, streptozotocin, alloxan, carbimazole, and levothyroxine were used. The outcomes included histopathologic characteristics (abnormal sperm morphology, apoptotic cells, apoptotic index, Johnsen's testicular biopsy score, seminiferous epithelial height, tubular basement membrane thickness, tubular diameter, sperm count, and motility), weight-related measurements (absolute epididymis, testis, and body weight, body weight gain, epididymal adipose tissue weight, and relative testis to body weight), hormonal characteristics (androgen receptor expression, serum FSH, LH, and testosterone level), markers of oxidative stress (tissue and serum GPx and MDA activity, tissue CAT, GSH, and SOD activity), and exploratory outcomes (serum HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood glucose level). The overall pooled effect sizes were statistically significant for all histopathological characteristics and some markers of oxidative stress.
CONCLUSIONS
Melatonin can reduce damage to male rodents' gonadal tissue and improve sperm count, motility, and morphology in metabolic diseases. Future clinical studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of melatonin for male infertility in patients with metabolic diseases.
Topics: Animals; Male; Mice; Rats; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus; Hyperthyroidism; Infertility, Male; Melatonin; Metabolic Diseases; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; Rodentia; Semen; Testis
PubMed: 37476491
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1202560 -
International Urology and Nephrology Oct 2023Some authors have estimated that the incidence of testicular germ cell tumors in individuals with trisomy 21 is more than fivefold higher than that in the general... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Some authors have estimated that the incidence of testicular germ cell tumors in individuals with trisomy 21 is more than fivefold higher than that in the general population.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aimed to estimate the incidence of urological tumors in patients with Down's syndrome.
STUDY DESIGN
We conducted a search strategy in MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, LILACS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception to nowadays. We assessed the risk of bias and performed a meta-analysis. Also, the heterogeneity between trials was evaluated by the I test. We completed the subgroup analysis based on the type of urological tumor (testis, bladder, kidney, upper urological tract, penile, retroperitoneum).
RESULTS
We found 350 studies by the search strategy. After carefully reviewing, full-text studies were included. 16,248 individuals with Down's syndrome were included, and 42 patients presented with urological tumors. There was a total incidence of 0.1%, 95%CI (0.06-0.19), I 61%. The most common urological tumor reported was testicular. We found six studies describing 31 events and an overall incidence of 0.19%, 95%CI (0.11-0.33), I: 51%. Other studies reported kidney, penile, upper urinary tract, bladder, and retroperitoneum tumors with a very low incidence, 0.02%, 0.06%, 0.03%, 0.11%and 0.07%, respectively.
DISCUSSION
Regarding non-testicular urological tumors, we found incidences as low as 0.02% in kidney cancer or 0.03% in the upper-urothelial tract tumors. It is also lower than the general population. Compared to the age of onset of patients, it is also lower than the general population, perhaps related to a shorter life expectancy. As a limitation, we found a high heterogeneity and a lack of information regarding non-testicular tumors.
CONCLUSION
There was a very low incidence of urological tumors in people with Down's syndrome. Testis tumor was the most frequently described in all cohorts and within a normal distribution range.
Topics: Male; Humans; Down Syndrome; Incidence; Testicular Neoplasms; Urologic Neoplasms
PubMed: 37368086
DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03656-4 -
Cureus May 2023is a rare but serious condition characterized by twisting both testicles around their respective spermatic cords, leading to reduced blood flow and potential loss of... (Review)
Review
is a rare but serious condition characterized by twisting both testicles around their respective spermatic cords, leading to reduced blood flow and potential loss of the testicles. Treatment of this condition may involve surgical detorsion of the affected testicles and fixation to prevent recurrence and, in some cases, removal of severely damaged testicles. In April 2023, a systematic review of case reports was performed to examine the presentation, clinical features, diagnostic process, and management of bilateral testicular torsion. Our search encompassed the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Out of 340 studies, only eight cases met our criteria. However, this review discusses bilateral testicular torsion symptoms, investigation, and outcome.
PubMed: 37303345
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38861 -
CoDAS 2023To identify the behavioral tests used to assess auditory processing throughout adulthood, focusing on the characteristics of the target population as an interest group.
PURPOSE
To identify the behavioral tests used to assess auditory processing throughout adulthood, focusing on the characteristics of the target population as an interest group.
RESEARCH STRATEGIES
PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scielo, databases were searched with descriptors: "auditory perception" or "auditory perception disorders" or "auditory processing" or "central auditory processing" or "auditory processing disorders" or "central auditory processing disorders" with adults OR aging.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Studies with humans included, the adult population from 18 to 64 years old, who performed at least one behavioral test to assess auditory processing in the absence of hearing loss.
DATA ANALYSIS
Data extraction was performed independently, using a protocol developed by the authors that included different topics, mainly the behavioral auditory tests performed and the results found.
RESULTS
Of the 867 records identified, 24 contained the information needed to answer the survey questions.
CONCLUSION
Almost all studies were conducted verify performance in one or two auditory processing tests. The target target population was heterogeneous, with the most frequent persons with diabetes, stuttering, auditory processing disorder, and noise exposure. There is little information regarding benchmarks for testing in the respective age groups.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Behavior Rating Scale; Auditory Perception; Hearing Tests; Auditory Perceptual Disorders; Language Development Disorders
PubMed: 37132698
DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20232022044pt -
The Oncologist Jun 2023T-cell receptor (TCR-T) therapies are based on the expression of an introduced TCR targeting a tumor associated antigen (TAA) which has been studied in several trials in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
T-cell receptor (TCR-T) therapies are based on the expression of an introduced TCR targeting a tumor associated antigen (TAA) which has been studied in several trials in cutaneous melanoma. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to assess the primary efficacy of TCR-based adoptive cell therapy in cutaneous melanoma.
METHODS
We searched through PubMed electronic database from its inception until May 21, 2022. Primary endpoints were pooled objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). We conducted logistic regression analyses to identify potential predictive factors for tumor response.
RESULTS
From 187 patients, 50 showed an objective response (pooled ORR 28%; 95% CI, 20%-37%) and a pooled DCR of 38% (95% CI, 27%-50%). Median PFS was 2, 9 months (95% CI, 1.4-3.1). A trend toward higher PFS was demonstrated for patients treated with cancer/testis antigens targeting TCR-T cells (HR 0.91 95% CI, 0.64-1.3, P = .61) among whom, patients treated with NYESO-1 targeting TCR-T showed a significantly higher PFS (HR 0.63 95% CI, 0.64-0.98, P = .03). In addition, the number of infused cells was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of tumor response (OR 6.61; 95% CI, 1.68-21.6; P = .007).
CONCLUSION
TCR-T therapy shows promising results in terms of antitumor activity and survival similar to those reported for TILs with a significantly higher benefit for cancer/testis antigens targeting cells. Since TCR-based therapy shows advantages of great potential over classic ACT strategies, further research in solid cancers is warranted (PROSPERO ID CRD42022328011).
Topics: Male; Humans; Melanoma; Skin Neoplasms; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 37036865
DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad078 -
Experimental and Clinical... Mar 2023This study investigated the efficacy of stem cell transplantation for azoospermia, a major cause of male infertility. We conducted a systematic meta- analysis to assess... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study investigated the efficacy of stem cell transplantation for azoospermia, a major cause of male infertility. We conducted a systematic meta- analysis to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of stem cell transplant, using different transplant methods, injection sites, and stem cell types, and the reliability of this approach in different animal species. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for studies published from January 2006 to February 2022 that evaluated the use of stem cell transplant to treat azoospermia. We included 18 studies and conducted the analyses using Review Manager 5.2 software. Expression of the meiosis-related genes Vasa, Scp3, and Dazl and the average hematoxylin and eosin- positive staining area were improved after stem cell transplant. Subgroup analyses by mode of transplant showed higher expression of Scp3 and Dazl in the xenotransplant group. Although subgroup analyses by injection site showed that the seminiferous tubule group showed the most significant effect on Scp3 expression, spermatogenesis and repair of damaged testis were induced in the tunica albuginea group. The testicular torsion group also induced high levels of Scp3. Another subgroup analysis by stem cell type showed that umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promoted the highest expression of meiosis-related genes and successfully induced spermatogenesis and the repair of damaged testis. Urine-derived stem cells, spermatogonial stem cells, and amniotic fluid-derived stem cells showed significantly therapeutic effects; however, more studies are needed for definitive conclusions. Subgroup analyses by type of azoospermia animal model indicated that the use of stem cell transplant in rat or mouse models had an obvious therapeutic effect, but no significant therapeutic effect was seen in azoospermia hamsters. The meta-analysis confirmed that stem cell transplant can effectively treat azoospermia in animal models. Xenotransplant is shown to enhance the therapeutic effects of stem cell transplant on azoospermia.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Male; Rats; Animals; Azoospermia; Reproducibility of Results; Testis; Spermatogenesis; Meiosis
PubMed: 36987796
DOI: 10.6002/ect.2022.0327 -
Indian Journal of Urology : IJU :... 2023Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is a rare nonneoplastic and chronic inflammatory process, characterized by proliferation of foamy macrophages resulting in damage and...
INTRODUCTION
Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is a rare nonneoplastic and chronic inflammatory process, characterized by proliferation of foamy macrophages resulting in damage and necrosis of the affected tissue. Involvement of the testis/epididymis by the disease is a rare event.
METHODS
A case series of four male patients diagnosed with xanthogranulomatous epididymitis/orchitis (XGEO) at our institute was reviewed. In addition, a systematic review of XGEO was carried out using PRISMA Guidelines 2020. Twenty-nine articles describing 38 patients of XGEO were included in the study.
RESULTS
XGEO usually has a subacute or chronic presentation and affects male individuals in the 5 or 6 decades of life. The disease is also known to occur in the pediatric age group. The patients present with swelling, tenderness, or pain in the scrotal region. Bilateral involvement has also been documented. Thirty patients were known to have one or more causal risk factors including diabetes mellitus (23.7%), spinal cord injury/neuropathic bladder (7.9%), prostatectomy (7.9%), trauma (4.1%), and transurethral resection of prostate procedure (4.1%). Complications observed were scrotal fistula, adhesions, and abscess formation. Radiological features reported are nonspecific and include heterogeneous echotexture, hypoechoic areas, and/or scrotal wall collections. Bacterial microorganisms isolated from the affected tissue demonstrated the presence of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Histological subtypes of XGEO are diffuse and focal. In the diffuse subtype, which is more common, there is extensive parenchymal destruction by inflammatory process accompanied by widespread ischemic necrosis.
CONCLUSION
The mainstay of treatment in XGEO cases is surgical excision preferably orchidectomy. Conservative management has been attempted in young individuals and in patients with focal XGEO, but there is limited supporting evidence. We present data of four cases along with detailed systematic review of the disease examining its clinicopathological behavior and associated risk factors followed by operative approach.
PubMed: 36824114
DOI: 10.4103/iju.iju_270_22 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Modern societies face infertility as a global challenge. There are certain environmental conditions and disorders that damage testicular tissue and may cause male... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Modern societies face infertility as a global challenge. There are certain environmental conditions and disorders that damage testicular tissue and may cause male infertility. Melatonin, as a potential antioxidant, may protect testicular tissue. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of melatonin in animal models against physical, heat, and ischemic damage to the testicular tissue.
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched to identify animal trials evaluating the protective effect of melatonin therapy on rodent testicular tissue when it is exposed to physical, thermal, ischemic, or hypobaric oxygen stress. Random-effect modeling was used to estimate the standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals based on the pooled data. Additionally, the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The study protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022354599).
RESULTS
A total of 41 studies were eligible for review out of 10039 records. Studies employed direct heat, cryptorchidism, varicocele, torsion-detorsion, testicular vascular occlusion, hypobaric hypoxia, ischemia-reperfusion, stress by excessive or restraint activity, spinal cord injury, and trauma to induce stress in the subjects. The histopathological characteristics of testicular tissue were generally improved in rodents by melatonin therapy. Based on the pooled data, sperm count, morphology, forward motility, viability, Johnsen's biopsy score, testicular tissue glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase levels were higher in the melatonin treatment rodent arms. In contrast, the malondialdehyde level in testicular tissue was lower in the treatment rodent arms. The included studies suffered from a high risk of bias in most of the SYRCLE domains.
CONCLUSION
This study concludes that melatonin therapy was associated with improved testicular histopathological characteristics, reproductive hormonal panel, and tissue markers of oxidative stress in male rodents with physical, ischemic, and thermal testicular injuries. In this regard, melatonin deserves scientific investigations as a potential protective drug against rodent male infertility.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022354599.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Male; Melatonin; Semen; Testis; Disease Models, Animal; Infertility, Male
PubMed: 36798664
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1123999 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Environmental pollution and infertility are two modern global challenges that agonize personal and public health. The causal relationship between these two deserves... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Protective effects of melatonin against the toxic effects of environmental pollutants and heavy metals on testicular tissue: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies.
BACKGROUND
Environmental pollution and infertility are two modern global challenges that agonize personal and public health. The causal relationship between these two deserves scientific efforts to intervene. It is believed that melatonin maintains antioxidant properties and may be utilized to protect the testicular tissue from oxidant effects caused by toxic materials.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify the animal trial studies that evaluated melatonin therapy's effects on rodents' testicular tissue against oxidative stress caused by heavy metal and non-heavy metal environmental pollutants. Data were pooled, and standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using the random-effect model. Also, the risk of bias was assessed using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool. (PROSPERO: CRD42022369872).
RESULTS
Out of 10039 records, 38 studies were eligible for the review, of which 31 were included in the meta-analysis. Most of them showed beneficial effects of melatonin therapy on testicular tissue histopathology. [20 toxic materials were evaluated in this review, including arsenic, lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, potassium dichromate, sodium fluoride, cigarette smoke, formaldehyde, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), 2-Bromopropane, bisphenol A, thioacetamide, bisphenol S, ochratoxin A, nicotine, diazinon, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Chlorpyrifos (CPF), nonylphenol, and acetamiprid.] The pooled results showed that melatonin therapy increased sperm count, motility, viability and body and testicular weights, germinal epithelial height, Johnsen's biopsy score, epididymis weight, seminiferous tubular diameter, serum testosterone, and luteinizing hormone levels, testicular tissue Malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione levels. On the other hand, abnormal sperm morphology, apoptotic index, and testicular tissue nitric oxide were lower in the melatonin therapy arms. The included studies presented a high risk of bias in most SYRCLE domains.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, our study demonstrated amelioration of testicular histopathological characteristics, reproductive hormonal panel, and tissue markers of oxidative stress. Melatonin deserves scientific attention as a potential therapeutic agent for male infertility.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022369872.
Topics: Animals; Male; Melatonin; Environmental Pollutants; Semen; Testis; Antioxidants
PubMed: 36793277
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1119553 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jan 2023Polyorchidism is a rare male urogenital tract anomaly characterized by at least one supernumerary testis in the scrotum or ectopically. According to data based on our... (Review)
Review
Polyorchidism is a rare male urogenital tract anomaly characterized by at least one supernumerary testis in the scrotum or ectopically. According to data based on our systematic review, 76% of the supernumerary testes (SNTs) were located in the scrotum, and 24% were extra-scrotal (p < 0.001). Among testes located outside the scrotum, 87% were found in the inguinal canal and 13% in the abdominal cavity. In 80% of cases, the diagnosis of SNT was made based on imaging tests, and the remaining 20% of cases were detected incidentally during surgery. The imaging tests performed (US or MRI) resulted in a significantly higher rate of patients who qualified for observation vs. surgical treatment (45% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). The most common conditions associated with SNT were ipsilateral inguinal hernia (15% of cases) and cryptorchidism (15% of cases). Surgery (orchidopexy/orchidectomy) was performed on 54% of patients with SNT, and the decision to observe the SNT was made in a total of 46% of patients (p = 0.001). The therapeutic approach depends on the location of the SNT and the presence of factors that raise suspicion of neoplastic proliferation.
PubMed: 36675578
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020649