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Asian Journal of Andrology 2014The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is found between adjacent Sertoli cells in the testis where it creates a unique microenvironment for the development and maturation of... (Review)
Review
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is found between adjacent Sertoli cells in the testis where it creates a unique microenvironment for the development and maturation of meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells in seminiferous tubes. It is a compound proteinous structure, composed of several types of cell junctions including tight junctions (TJs), adhesion junctions and gap junctions (GJs). Some of the junctional proteins function as structural proteins of BTB and some have regulatory roles. The deletion or functional silencing of genes encoding these proteins may disrupt the BTB, which may cause immunological or other damages to meiotic and postmeiotic cells and ultimately lead to spermatogenic arrest and infertility. In this review, we will summarize the findings on the BTB structure and function from genetically-modified mouse models and discuss the future perspectives.
Topics: Animals; Azoospermia; Blood-Testis Barrier; Disease Models, Animal; Infertility; Male; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Oligospermia; Sertoli Cells; Spermatogenesis
PubMed: 24713828
DOI: 10.4103/1008-682X.125401 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Sep 2003
Review
Topics: Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Medical History Taking; Oligospermia; Reproductive Techniques; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sperm Count
PubMed: 14500443
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.327.7416.669 -
BMC Medical Genomics Mar 2022Male infertility is a heterogeneous disease which can occur due to spermatogenesis defects. The idiopathic azoospermia and oligospermia are the common cause of male...
BACKGROUND
Male infertility is a heterogeneous disease which can occur due to spermatogenesis defects. The idiopathic azoospermia and oligospermia are the common cause of male infertility with unknown underlying molecular mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate association of idiopathic azoospermia and oligospermia with single-nucleotide polymorphisms of CATSPER1, SPATA16 and TEX11 genes in Iranian-Azeri men.
METHODS
In this case-control study, we recruited 100 infertile men (case group) and 100 fertile men (control group) from Azeri population in north western provinces, Iran, population. The genomic DNA was extracted using a proteinase K method from peripheral blood leukocytes. The genotypes analysis was conducted using tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction method. The obtained data were analyzed by statistical software.
RESULTS
We found a significant difference in the frequencies of heterozygote AB and mutant homozygote BB genotypes in the CATSPER1 (rs2845570) gene polymorphism between patients and healthy controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, we observed a significant difference in the frequencies of heterozygote BA genotype in the SPATA16 (rs1515442) gene polymorphism between patients and healthy controls (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found in genotypes distribution of case and control groups in the TEX11 (rs143246552) gene polymorphism.
CONCLUSION
Our finding showed that the CATSPER1 (rs2845570) and SPATA16 (rs1515442) genes polymorphism may play an important role in idiopathic azoospermia and oligospermia in Iranian Azeri population. However, more extensive studies with larger sample sizes from different ethnic origins are essential for access more accurate results.
Topics: Azoospermia; Calcium Channels; Case-Control Studies; Cell Cycle Proteins; Humans; Infertility, Male; Iran; Male; Oligospermia; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Vesicular Transport Proteins
PubMed: 35248021
DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01197-w -
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) 2013Azoospermia is a descriptive term referring to ejaculates that lack spermatozoa without implying a specific underlying cause. The traditional definition of azoospermia... (Review)
Review
Azoospermia is a descriptive term referring to ejaculates that lack spermatozoa without implying a specific underlying cause. The traditional definition of azoospermia is ambiguous, which has ramifications on the diagnostic criteria. This issue is further compounded by the apparent overlap between the definitions of oligospermia and azoospermia. The reliable diagnosis of the absence of spermatozoa in a semen sample is an important criterion not only for diagnosing male infertility but also for ascertaining the success of a vasectomy and for determining the efficacy of hormonal contraception. There appears to be different levels of rigor in diagnosing azoospermia in different clinical situations, which highlights the conflict between scientific research and clinical practice in defining azoospermia.
Topics: Azoospermia; Centrifugation; Humans; Male; Oligospermia; Semen Analysis
PubMed: 23503953
DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2013(sup01)05 -
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and... Mar 2012Male infertility is a common and complex problem affecting 1 in 20 men. Despite voluminous research in this field, in many cases, the underlying causes are unknown.... (Review)
Review
Male infertility is a common and complex problem affecting 1 in 20 men. Despite voluminous research in this field, in many cases, the underlying causes are unknown. Epigenetic factors play an important role in male infertility and these have been studied extensively. Epigenetic modifications control a number of processes within the body, but this review will concentrate on male fertility and the consequences of aberrant epigenetic regulation/modification. Many recent studies have identified altered epigenetic profiles in sperm from men with oligozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. During gametogenesis and germ cell maturation, germ cells undergo extensive epigenetic reprogramming that involves the establishment of sex-specific patterns in the sperm and oocytes. Increasing evidence suggests that genetic and environmental factors can have negative effects on epigenetic processes controlling implantation, placentation and fetal growth. This review provides an overview of the epigenetic processes (histone-to-protamine exchange and epigenetic reprogramming post-fertilization), aberrant epigenetic reprogramming and its association with fertility, possible risks for ART techniques, testicular cancer and the effect of environmental factors on the epigenetic processes.
Topics: Animals; Asthenozoospermia; Embryonic Development; Epigenesis, Genetic; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Gene-Environment Interaction; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Oligospermia; Protamines; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Testicular Neoplasms
PubMed: 22290605
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9715-0 -
Fertility and Sterility Dec 1993To review the world literature on the etiology, physiopathology, and treatment of spermatogenesis arrest. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To review the world literature on the etiology, physiopathology, and treatment of spermatogenesis arrest.
STUDY SELECTION
All the pertinent literature on spermatogenic arrest has been selected. Most studies related to this topic have been identified through Medline and through published literature.
PATIENTS
Spermatogenic arrest has been diagnosed by testicular biopsy in men of reproductive age who had either severe oligospermia (partial arrest) or azoospermia (complete arrest), normal testicular volume, and depending on the etiology normal, high, or low levels of gonadotropins.
INTERVENTIONS
The effects of heat, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have been reported. Depending on the etiology of spermatogenic arrest, different hormonal treatments have been tested.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
Level of interruption of germ cell differentiation in testicular biopsy have been determined. Improvement of the sperm count or appearance of mature sperm after an hormonal treatment have been observed.
RESULTS
Spermatogenic arrest can occur at spermatogonial level in case of gonadotropin insufficiency or after germ cell damage due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The arrest is most frequently observed at primary spermatocyte level. Reversible arrest at that level can be due to heat, infections, hormonal and nutritional factors. Irreversible arrest at primary spermatocyte or spermatid level have a genetic origin due to chromosomes anomalies either in somatic cells or in germ cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Spermatogenic arrest is usually due to genetic factors resulting in irreversible azoospermia. However some cases may be consecutive to hormonal, thermic, or toxic factors and may be reversible either spontaneously or after a specific treatment.
Topics: Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Oligospermia; Spermatogenesis
PubMed: 8243695
DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)56388-2 -
Fertility and Sterility Nov 2016To evaluate how varicocele repair (VR) impacts pregnancy (PRs) and live birth rates in infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction wherein the male partner has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Undergoing varicocele repair before assisted reproduction improves pregnancy rate and live birth rate in azoospermic and oligospermic men with a varicocele: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate how varicocele repair (VR) impacts pregnancy (PRs) and live birth rates in infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction wherein the male partner has oligospermia or azoospermia and a history of varicocele.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTING
Not applicable.
PATIENT(S)
Azoospermic and oligospermic males with varicoceles and in couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) with IUI, IVF, or testicular sperm extraction (TESE) with IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
INTERVENTION(S)
Measurement of PRs, live birth, and sperm extraction rates.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Odds ratios for the impact of VR on PRs, live birth, and sperm extraction rates for couples undergoing ART.
RESULT(S)
Seven articles involving a total of 1,241 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that VR improved live birth rates for the oligospermic (odds ratio [OR] = 1.699) and combined oligospermic/azoospermic groups (OR = 1.761). Pregnancy rates were higher in the azoospermic group (OR = 2.336) and combined oligospermic/azoospermic groups (OR = 1.760). Live birth rates were higher for patients undergoing IUI after VR (OR = 8.360). Sperm retrieval rates were higher in persistently azoospermic men after VR (OR = 2.509).
CONCLUSION(S)
Oligospermic and azoospermic patients with clinical varicocele who undergo VR experience improved live birth rates and PRs with IVF or IVF/ICSI. For persistently azoospermic men after VR requiring TESE for IVF/ICSI, VR improves sperm retrieval rates. Therefore, VR should be considered to have substantial benefits for couples with a clinical varicocele even if oligospermia or azoospermia persists after repair and ART is required.
Topics: Azoospermia; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Live Birth; Male; Odds Ratio; Oligospermia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Risk Factors; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; Sperm Retrieval; Treatment Outcome; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male; Varicocele
PubMed: 27526630
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.1093 -
Archives of Internal Medicine Mar 2012The global obesity epidemic parallels a decrease in male fertility. Yet, the association between body mass index (BMI) and sperm parameters remains controversial. A... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The global obesity epidemic parallels a decrease in male fertility. Yet, the association between body mass index (BMI) and sperm parameters remains controversial. A negative correlation between BMI and sperm concentration or total sperm count (TSC) was shown by several reports, but not documented by others. The purpose of this report was to update the level of evidence on the association between body mass index (BMI) and sperm count through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Topics: Adult; Azoospermia; Body Mass Index; France; Humans; Incidence; Infertility, Male; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Oligospermia; Prognosis; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 22412113
DOI: 10.1001/archinternmed.2011.1382 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... 2000Oligo-astheno-teratospermia (sperm of low concentration, reduced motility and increased abnormal morphology) of unknown cause is common and the need for treatment is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Oligo-astheno-teratospermia (sperm of low concentration, reduced motility and increased abnormal morphology) of unknown cause is common and the need for treatment is felt by patients and doctors alike. As a result, a variety of empirical, non-specific treatments have been used in an attempt to improve semen characteristics and fertility. The administration of anti-oestrogens is a common treatment because anti oestrogens interfere with the normal negative feedback of sex steroids at hypothalamic and pituitary levels in order to increase endogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion from the hypothalamus and FSH and LH secretion directly from the pituitary. In turn, FSH and LH stimulate Leydig cells in the testes, and this has been claimed to lead to increased local testosterone production, thereby boosting spermatogenesis with a possible improvement in fertility. There may also be a direct effect of anti-oestrogens on testicular spermatogenesis or steroidogenesis. This review considers the available evidence of the effect of both Clomiphene citrate and tamoxifen, both of which have a predominant anti-oestrogenic effect, for idiopathic oligo and/or asthenospermia.
OBJECTIVES
The objective was to assess the effects of treating subfertile men with anti-oestrogens (clomiphene or tamoxifen) on pregnancy rates among couples where subfertility has been attributed to idiopathic oligo- and/or asthenospermia.
SEARCH STRATEGY
The Cochrane Subfertility Review Group specialised register of controlled trials was searched".
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials of anti-oestrogen therapy for 3 months or more compared to placebo or no placebo for subfertile males among couples where subfertility is attributed to male factor.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. Any differences were resolved with a third reviewer.
MAIN RESULTS
Ten studies involving 738 men were included. Five of the trials did not specify method of randomisation. Anti-oestrogens had a positive effect on endocrinal outcomes, such as serum testosterone levels. In trials with secure randomisation there was no difference in the pregnancy rate between the anti-oestrogen groups and the control groups (odds ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 0.99 to 1.56). The overall pregnancy rate for these five trials was 15.4% compared to the spontaneous rate of 12.5% in the control groups. These odds increased to 1.56 (95% confidence interval 0.99 to 2.19) when all 10 trials were included, but this result is likely to be artificially inflated.
REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS
Anti-oestrogens appear to have a beneficial effect on endocrinal outcomes, but there is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of anti-oestrogens for increasing the fertility of males with idiopathic oligo-asthenospermia.
Topics: Clomiphene; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Oligospermia; Tamoxifen
PubMed: 10796497
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000151 -
Fertility and Sterility Nov 2013Treatment of cancer with chemo- or radiotherapy causes reduction of sperm counts often to azoospermic levels that may persist for several years or be permanent. The time... (Review)
Review
Treatment of cancer with chemo- or radiotherapy causes reduction of sperm counts often to azoospermic levels that may persist for several years or be permanent. The time course of declines in sperm count can be predicted by the sensitivity of germ cells, with differentiating spermatogonia being most sensitive, and the known kinetics of recovery. Recovery from oligo- or azoospermia is more variable and depends on whether there is killing of stem cells and alteration of the somatic environment that normally supports differentiation of stem cells. Of the cytotoxic therapeutic agents, radiation and most alkylating drugs are the most potent at producing long-term azoospermia. Most of the newer biologic targeted therapies, except those used to target radioisotopes or toxins to cells, seem to have only modest effects, mostly on the endocrine aspects of the male reproductive system; however, their effects when used in combination with cytotoxic agents have not been well studied.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Azoospermia; Humans; Male; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Neoplasms; Oligospermia; Radiation Injuries; Radiotherapy; Recovery of Function; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sperm Count; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Time Factors
PubMed: 24012199
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.08.010