Article
Andrology
Ettore Caroppo, Fabrizio Castiglioni, Franco Nerva, Elisabetta Maria Colpi, Giacomo Gazzano, Giovanni Maria Colpi
Summary: For patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), complete testicular dissection is preferred to retrieve enough good quality spermatozoa.
Article
Cell Biology
Haiming Cao, Zi Wan, Fei Wang, Ziyin Liu, Xiaofeng Li, Jianquan Hou
Summary: The study identified 27 shared genes associated with spermatogenesis through reanalyzing gene expression databases and validation datasets. Among these genes, KIF2C and TEKT2 were found to be down-regulated in spermatogenesis and validated in multiple datasets. The study also established a TF-miRNA-target gene network, suggesting that KIF2C may play a role in spermatogenesis through interactions with miRNAs and TFs.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Athina C. Tsili, Loukas G. Astrakas, Anna C. Goussia, Nikolaos Sofikitis, Maria Argyropoulou
Summary: Testicular volumetric ADC histogram analysis can aid in identifying a subpopulation of NOA men with a specific type of spermatogenic arrest. The median ADC was found to be the most significant metric in predicting the presence of sperm.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
O. A. Afolabi, D. C. Anyogu, M. A. Hamed, A. F. Odetayo, D. H. Adeyemi, R. E. Akhigbe
Summary: This study demonstrated for the first time that glutamine administration improved testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury in a torsion/detorsion rat model by maintaining testicular redox balance, and testicular integrity and function via inhibition of ischemia/reperfusion-induced upregulation of NF-kB signaling and caspase 3 activation.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dongbao Cai, Xusheng Li, Qingjie Xu, Haiwei Li, Ruijing Liu, Jiali Chen, Xinwei Jiang, Jianxia Sun, Caiyong Lai, Weibin Bai
Summary: Testicular hyperthermia caused by unhealthy living habits and occupational factors can lead to spermatogenic dysfunction and reduced fertility. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is an antioxidant found in food that can protect male reproduction. In this study, mice were subjected to testicular hyperthermia and given C3G and its metabolite protocatechuic acid (PCA) to investigate their effects on preventing testicular damage. C3G and PCA improved testicular structure and reduced damage caused by heat stress. They also enhanced testicular heat stress tolerance and improved the antioxidant system, contributing to the mitigation of spermatogenesis dysfunction. These findings highlight the potential of anthocyanins in alleviating testicular damage and improving male fertility affected by heat stress.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Gary D. Smith, Clementina Cantatore, Dana A. Ohl
Summary: The article discusses the potential utility, benefits, and shortcomings of developing technologies such as motility induction/stimulants, microfluidics, dielectrophoresis, and cell sorting as andrological laboratory add-ons to reduce the technical burdens and variabilities in viable spermatozoa isolation from testicular samples in men with non-obstructive azoospermia.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Hemily Batista-Silva, Keyla Rodrigues, Kieiv Resende Sousa de Moura, Nicolas Elie, Glen Van der Kraak, Christelle Delalande, Fatima Regina Mena Barreto Silva
Summary: The study investigated the effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) on testicular energy metabolism and morphology in zebrafish through in vitro and short-term in vivo experiments. Results showed that BPA exposure decreased lactate and glycogen content, altered enzyme activity, induced apoptosis in testicular cells, and affected spermatogenesis in male zebrafish. Overall, short-term BPA exposure was found to impact energy metabolism and spermatogenesis in zebrafish.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
I-Shen Huang, Wei-Jen Chen, Li-Hua Li, Eric Yi-Hsiu Huang, Jen-Fan Hang, Chih-Yi Hsu, Chin-Chen Pan, Robert E. Brannigan, William J. Huang
Summary: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of testicular tissue touch print smear (TPS), histopathology, and in vitro fertility (IVF) lab findings in azoospermic patients. TPS showed high positive predictive value and negative predictive value for predicting sperm presence or absence compared to IVF lab results. TPS also had a high correlation with results of histological diagnoses performed by needle biopsy in detecting sperm presence.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Carlos Segura, Jose La Rosa, Luis Baez, Oscar E. Gomez-Quispe, Shirley Evangelista-Vargas, Jane M. Morrell, Alexei Santiani
Summary: Caspase-3/7 activation in fresh alpaca sperm increased after 3-4 hours of incubation at 37 degrees Celsius, while cryopreservation had different effects on the samples.
REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Herbert Ryan Marini, Antonio Micali, Giovanni Squadrito, Domenico Puzzolo, Jose Freni, Pietro Antonuccio, Letteria Minutoli
Summary: Cadmium is a widespread heavy metal and toxicant that can cause damages to the testicular structure and function. It is mainly exposure from cigarette smoking, air pollution, and contaminated water and food consumption. The toxic effects of cadmium on the testes include oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Currently, there is no specific therapy available for the prevention or treatment of cadmium-induced diseases and mortality, thus the development of new therapeutic agents is needed. Dietary strategies and the use of nutraceuticals may be effective in preventing and alleviating cadmium-induced testicular injury.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Raevti Bole, Raneen Sawaid Kaiyal, Scott D. Lundy, Jane K. Nguyen, Neel Parekh, Sarah C. Vij
Summary: A retrospective study found that approximately 10% of men undergoing bilateral micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) had discordant testicular pathology. However, the discordant pathology did not significantly affect the sperm retrieval rate. Therefore, clinicians should consider performing pathology examination on bilateral testicular specimens before surgery to aid in clinical decision-making and surgical planning.
Article
Reproductive Biology
E. Da Silva-Alvarez, G. Gaitskell-Phillips, J. M. Ortiz-Rodriguez, C. Serres, B. Garcia-Rodriguez, L. Gutierrez-Cepeda, F. E. Martin-Cano, A. Echegaray, N. Escartin-Casas, F. Requena, M. C. Gil, F. J. Pena, C. Ortega-Ferrusola
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a new software called Ecotext in diagnosing stallions with testicular dysfunction (TD) and studied the relationship between Ecotext parameters and sperm motility, production, testicular volume, and blood flow. The results showed that Ecotext could identify changes in the testicular echotexture of stallions with TD, opening up possibilities for further research.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ioanna Clark, Mark F. H. Brougham, Norah Spears, Rod T. Mitchell
Summary: This systematic review evaluates the effects of vincristine-containing regimens on the testicular function and fertility in adulthood of prepubertal males. Clinical studies did not indicate gonadotoxic effects of vincristine after prepubertal exposure, contrary to findings in rodent studies. However, the limited number of studies with vincristine sub-analysis warrants further experimental studies using human testicular tissues.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Hamdy A. A. Aly
Summary: Diabetes induces testicular damage, partially through inducing mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and oxidative stress. Resveratrol administration improves diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qi Chen, Ranran Zhou, Cheng Yang, Qijun Jiang, Haoyu Yuan, Xin Qiu, Hu Tian, Junhao Zhou, Cundong Liu
Summary: This study investigates the therapeutic effect of ergothioneine (EGT) on testicular damage caused by varicocele (VC) through in vivo, in vitro, and in silico experiments. The results demonstrate that EGT can alleviate the structural disorder and apoptosis in seminiferous tubules, and improve sperm quality in VC rats. Network pharmacology and molecular docking reveal that HSP90AA1 is a crucial gene targeted by EGT in VC, which is validated by western blot, immunohistochemistry, and RT-qPCR. Overall, EGT attenuates testicular injury in VC models by potentially enhancing the expression of HSP90AA1.
JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Juliana Pedro, Joana Fernandes, Alberto Barros, Pedro Xavier, Vasco Almeida, Maria E. Costa, Lone Schmidt, Mariana Martins
Summary: Fertility awareness among young people is low, and interventions can increase awareness in the short term, but the long-term effectiveness is unclear. A trial found that watching a fertility video intervention can increase awareness in the short term, but only had significant effects on some variables in the long term.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Miriam Cervan-Martin, Lara Bossini-Castillo, Rocio Rivera-Egea, Nicolas Garrido, Saturnino Lujan, Gema Romeu, Samuel Santos-Ribeiro, Jose A. Castilla, M. Carmen Gonzalvo, Ana Clavero, F. Javier Vicente, Andrea Guzman-Jimenez, Claudia Costa, Ines Llinares-Burguet, Chiranan Khantham, Miguel Burgos, Francisco J. Barrionuevo, Rafael Jimenez, Josvany Sanchez-Curbelo, Olga Lopez-Rodrigo, M. Fernanda Peraza, Iris Pereira-Caetano, Patricia I. Marques, Filipa Carvalho, Alberto Barros, Lluis Bassas, Susana Seixas, Joao Goncalves, Sara Larriba, Alexandra M. Lopes, Rogelio J. Palomino-Morales, F. David Carmona
Summary: The study identified a significant difference in allele frequencies of USP8-rs7174015 between the NOA group, the control group, and the SO group, suggesting a possible association of this gene with male infertility. Other genetic associations were found for EPSTI1-rs12870438 and PSAT1-rs7867029 with SO, as well as TUSC1-rs10966811 with TESE success in the context of non-obstructive azoospermia.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2021)
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joana Vieira Silva, Joana Santiago, Mario Sousa, Pedro F. Oliveira, Margarida Fardilha
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Goncalves, Ana Fortuna, Yavuz Ariyurek, Marcia E. Oliveira, Goreti Nadais, Jorge Pinheiro, Johan T. den Dunnen, Mario Sousa, Jorge Oliveira, Rosario Santos
Summary: In this study, a patient with Becker Muscular Dystrophy was identified to have a DMD gene defect that could not be detected by routine molecular techniques. The application of low-coverage linked-read whole-genome sequencing revealed a possible genomic rearrangement and confirmed the presence of a genomic inversion. This study expands the mutational spectrum of dystrophinopathies and highlights the importance of transcript analysis in diagnosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. S. Oud, R. M. Smits, H. E. Smith, F. K. Mastrorosa, G. S. Holt, B. J. Houston, P. F. de Vries, B. K. S. Alobaidi, L. E. Batty, H. Ismail, J. Greenwood, H. Sheth, A. Mikulasova, G. D. N. Astuti, C. Gilissen, K. McEleny, H. Turner, J. Coxhead, S. Cockell, D. D. M. Braat, K. Fleischer, K. W. M. D'Hauwers, E. Schaafsma, L. Nagirnaja, D. F. Conrad, C. Friedrich, S. Kliesch, K. I. Aston, A. Riera-Escamilla, C. Krausz, C. Gonzaga-Jauregui, M. Santibanez-Koref, D. J. Elliott, L. E. L. M. Vissers, F. Tuettelmann, M. K. O'Bryan, L. Ramos, M. J. Xavier, G. W. van der Heijden, J. A. Veltman
Summary: This study examines the role of de novo mutations in severe male infertility. Through trio-based exome sequencing, the researchers identified a significant enrichment of loss-of-function de novo mutations in infertile men. They also identified a new candidate gene, RBM5, which is associated with male infertility. This study provides evidence for the importance of de novo mutations in male infertility and identifies potential genetic causes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Pedro O. Corda, Joana Vieira Silva, Sara C. Pereira, Alberto Barros, Marco G. Alves, Margarida Fardilha
Summary: By analyzing proteomic data, we identified arylsulfatase A (ARSA) as a key differentially expressed protein in both slow freezing and rapid freezing techniques. Decreased ARSA levels were associated with poor sperm quality. Additionally, the differentially expressed proteins were strongly associated with proteasomal and translation pathways.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sara C. Pereira, Ines F. Esperanca, Soraia Pinto, Alberto Barros, Mario Sousa, Marco G. Alves, Pedro F. Oliveira
Summary: The abundance of GPR30 mRNA in spermatozoa is not correlated with paternal BMI, age, or sperm quality parameters, but higher levels of GPR30 mRNA are associated with the achievement of biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy in couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatments.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Sara Mendes, Rosalia Sa, Manuel Magalhaes, Franklim Marques, Mario Sousa, Elisabete Silva
Summary: Tumor cells exhibit high resistance to oxidative stress, but excessive oxidative stress beyond a certain threshold can lead to cell death. Inducing imbalance in redox homeostasis can be a strategy in anticancer therapies, but the mechanisms behind the loss of fertility are still unknown. With the increasing life expectancy of cancer patients, it is important to consider the potential adverse effects of anticancer treatments on reproductive capacity.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Carolina Silva, Paulo Viana, Alberto Barros, Rosalia Sa, Mario Sousa, Rute Pereira
Summary: Asthenozoospermia, characterized by reduced sperm motility, is a major cause of male infertility. While mutations in genes coding for structural or functional constituents of sperm have been identified as known causes, the role of sperm RNA in regulating sperm motility is not fully understood. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of sperm RNA expression and its relationship with motility. The expression of a group of mRNAs and their corresponding miRNAs was found to be reduced in asthenozoospermic patients, particularly in those with lower progressive sperm motility. This study provides further insights into the role of RNA in regulating sperm motility and calls for further investigation of the genes and miRNAs involved.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mario Sousa
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Rute Pereira, Mario Sousa
Summary: Infertility is a common health issue affecting couples worldwide, with no effective therapy available. Male infertility, specifically asthenozoospermia or reduced sperm motility, is a major cause. Many researchers have identified over 4000 genes involved in sperm production and development, which can potentially lead to male infertility if mutated. This review provides an overview of sperm flagellum morphology and highlights genetic factors related to sperm immotility and flagellum development.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Rosalia Sa, Luis Ferraz, Alberto Barros, Mario Sousa
Summary: Klinefelter syndrome is a common chromosomal sexual anomaly with symptoms including tall stature, small testicles, small penis, feminine body proportions and hair, obesity, and testicular failure. It can also lead to endocrine, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, autoimmune disorders, cancer, neurocognitive disabilities, and infertility. The retrieval of spermatozoa from the testicles for assisted reproduction treatments is discussed, and the low risk of passing on the genetic defect to children is mentioned.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Eduarda Milheiro Tinoco, Ana Rita Gigante, Edite Ferreira, Ines Sanches, Rute Pereira, Rosalia Sa, Regina Monteiro, Mario Sousa, Ivone Pascoal
Summary: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare hereditary condition that affects the clearance of the airways and fertility. This study examined the clinical and pathological features of Portuguese PCD patients, as well as their genetic variants. The results showed that genetic testing is crucial for confirming diagnosis and managing the disease.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Silviana Ribeiro, Mario Sousa
Summary: The development of assisted reproductive technology has made it possible for infertile couples, especially infertile men, to conceive through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). However, the success of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and ICSI can be influenced by various factors. This review analyzed the impact of female age, ovarian reserve, male age, and male factor on the outcomes of IVF/ICSI, aiming to determine their practical applicability. The findings suggest that higher female age and alterations in ovarian markers are associated with poorer outcomes, while the predictive value of male age and male factor remains inconclusive and requires further investigation.
JORNAL BRASILEIRO DE REPRODUCAO ASSISTIDA
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Pedro Barros, Mariana Cunha, Alberto Barros, Mario Sousa, Sofia Doria
Summary: This study investigated the clinical outcomes of non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome patients with azoospermia treated with testicular spermatozoa extraction (TESE) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The results showed higher fertilization, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates with fresh testicular spermatozoa compared to cryopreserved spermatozoa. Chromosome analysis of newborns indicated normal results.
JORNAL BRASILEIRO DE REPRODUCAO ASSISTIDA
(2022)