Use of thermography in the long-term evaluation of scrotal surface temperature and its impact on seminal quality in stallions.

Scrotal surface thermography is a non-invasive method for assessing testicular thermoregulation in stallions; however, few studies have explored the application of this technique concerning the thermal physiology of equine reproductive systems. This study aimed to evaluate the consistency of testicular thermoregulation in stallions over a year using thermography to measure the scrotal surface temperature (SST). Moreover, we assessed the best region for measuring the surface body temperature compared with the SST. Ten light-breed stallions were used in the experiment. Thermographic images of the scrotal and body surfaces (neck and abdomen) were captured. Fresh, cooled and frozen-thawed semen samples were evaluated to verify the impact of thermoregulation on semen quality. Testicular thermoregulation was maintained throughout the year in stallions amidst changes in the external temperature, as evidenced by the weak correlation between the SST and ambient temperature. A lower correlation was observed between the environmental temperature and body surface temperature (BTS) obtained from the abdomen (BTS-A; R = .4772; p < .0001) than with that obtained from the neck (BTS-N; R = .7259; p < .0001). Moreover, both BTS-A and SST were simultaneously captured in a single image. The consistent quality of the fresh, cooled and frozen semen suggests efficient thermoregulation in stallions throughout the year.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of Spermatogenesis in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Invasion in Different Age Groups.

Based on studies that focused on the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on human tissues, not only pulmonary invasion was revealed, but also impaired testicular function. Thus, the study of the mechanisms of influence of SARS-CoV-2 on spermatogenesis is still relevant. Of particular interest is the study of pathomorphological changes in men of different age groups. The purpose of this study was to evaluate immunohistochemical changes in spermatogenesis during SARS-CoV-2 invasion in different age groups. In our study, for the first time, a cohort of COVID-19-positive patients of different age groups was collected, and the following were conducted--confocal microscopy of the testicles and immunohistochemical evaluation of spermatogenesis disorders in SARS-CoV-2 invasion with antibodies to the spike protein, the nucleocapsid protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and angiotensin convertase type 2. An IHC study and confocal microscopy of testicular autopsies from COVID-19-positive patients revealed an increase in the number of S-protein- and nucleocapsid-positively stained spermatogenic cells, which indicates SARS-CoV-2 invasion into them. A correlation was found between the number of ACE2-positive germ cells and the degree of hypospermatogenesis, and in the group of patients with confirmed coronavirus infection older than 45 years, the decrease in spermatogenic function was more pronounced than in the cohort of young people. Thus, our study found a decrease in both spermatogenic and endocrine (Leydig cells) testicular functions in patients with COVID-19 infection. In the elderly, these changes were significantly higher than in the group of young patients.

Spontaneous idiopathic intratesticular hemorrhage as a differential diagnosis for acute scrotal pain.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous idiopathic testicular hemorrhage is an extremely rare entity with few published reports in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 15-year-old boy who had been experiencing intense, left scrotal pain for the previous twelve hours. No previous history of trauma or bleeding disorders. The left testis was enlarged and tender. Left orchiectomy was performed. The entire testis was dusty and dark grossly. Microscopic sections show diffuse intratesticular bleeding with intact seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous idiopathic testicular hemorrhage should be considered when evaluating patients with acute scrotal pain. Clinical and ultrasonographic findings and histopathologic evaluation are mandatory to diagnose it.

QUANTITATIVE MORPHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE STUDY OF THE FEATURES OF THE REMODELING OF THE HEMOMICROCIRCULATORY CHANNEL OF THE TESTICLES UNDER THE ACTION OF ALUMINUM CHLORIDE ON THE BODY.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To conduct a morphometric analysis of the features of the remodeling of vessels of the hemomicrocirculatory channel of the testicles under the action of aluminum chloride on the body. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The testicles of 52 white male Wistar rats were morphologically studied, which were divided into two groups: intact and animals injected with aluminum chloride at a dose of 100 mg/kg. RESULTS: Results: The long-term effect of aluminum chloride on the body led to pronounced changes in the quantitative morphological indicators of the vessels of the hemomicrocirculatory channel of the testes compared to the control ones. The diameter of arterioles of the left testicle decreased by 18.4%, precapillary arterioles by 19.1%, hemocapillaries by 10.1%. The diameter of the postcapillary venules of the left testicle increased by 26.3%, the venules by 26.4%, and the density of microvessels decreased by 30.0%, which indicated the deterioration of its blood supply. The degree of remodeling of microvessels in the right testis was less pronounced. The diameter of arterioles of the right testicle decreased by 17.1%, precapillary arterioles by 18.4 %, and hemocapillaris by 9.1%. The diameter of the postcapillary venules of the right testicle increased by 25.5%, the venules by 27.0%, and the density of microvessels decreased by 25.8%. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Long-term action (during the month) of aluminum chloride on the body leads to pronounced remodeling of the vessels of the hemomicrocirculatory channel of the testicles, which is characterized by a pronounced narrowing of its supply (arterioles, precapillary arterioles), exchange (hemocapillaries) links.

Prenatal exposure to airborne polychlorinated biphenyl congeners and male reproductive health.

STUDY QUESTION: Is fetal exposure to lower-chlorinated polychlorinated biphenyls (LC-PCBs) in indoor air of private homes built with PCB-containing materials associated with semen characteristics and testicular volume in adult men? SUMMARY ANSWER: We observed only marginal and inconsistent associations between maternal exposure to PCBs in indoor air and semen quality, testicular size and reproductive hormones in the adult offspring. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Recent studies have shown LC-PCBs to exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties and increase the risk of cryptorchidism. Although exposure to LC-PCBs in indoor air is relatively common, the long-term impact of prenatal exposure on male reproductive health has not yet been investigated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: In this cohort study, participants were men (18+ years) whose mothers carried them while living in one of two residential areas where indoor air had been contaminated by LC-PCB evaporating from building materials in subsets of the apartments. Men were considered prenatally exposed if their mother had lived in a PCB-contaminated apartment and unexposed if their mother had lived in an uncontaminated apartment for a minimum of 1 year during the 3.6 years before conception or during the first trimester. Mothers of prenatally unexposed men could not have lived in a contaminated apartment at any point. Recruitment lasted from 2017 to 2019. In total, 73 exposed and 111 unexposed men gave a blood and semen sample. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Percentage differences in semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, morphologically normal spermatozoa, progressively motile spermatozoa and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) between prenatally exposed and unexposed men were estimated using negative binomial regression. Associations with total and calculated free testosterone (CFT), LH and FSH were modeled using the linear regression. Odds of small testicular volume was estimated with logistic regression. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Overall, the results of this study were conflicting. No differences in semen volume, sperm concentration, testosterone and CFT were observed between the groups, but there were slight indications of lower total sperm count, increased FSH and risk of small testicles, alongside lower sperm DFI and a higher proportion of normal spermatozoa in men exposed to LCB-PCBs from indoor air during fetal life. There is no apparent biologically plausible explanation for the apparently improved measures of DNA fragmentation and morphology, and these findings may have occurred purely by chance. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Owing to the indirect measure of exposure, lack of adjustment for paternal factors, the potential for self-selection due to known exposure status and fertility issues, inability to take time spent away from the residence, limited statistical power and lack of comparable literature, independent replication of the study in larger cohorts is warranted. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: While our findings may appear reassuring for the large number of people residing and/or working in buildings with indoor air contaminated with LC-PCBs, further efforts to understand the full range of health consequences of fetal LC-PCB exposure are needed. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): The study was supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (ref no. 6110-00085B), Bispebjerg Hospital, Landsbyggefonden, Realdania (ref. no. PRJ-2017-00176), Grundejernes Investeringsfond (ref. no. 18-58) and Helsefonden (ref. no. 16-B-01-22 and 21-B-0412). K.S.H. was supported by FFIKA, Focused Research Effort on Chemicals in the Working Environment, from the Danish Government. The authors declare that they have no financial, personal or professional competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.

Antipsychotic Drug-Mediated Adverse Effects on Rat Testicles May Be Caused by Altered Redox and Hormonal Homeostasis.

Sexual dysfunction, as a noticeable adverse effect of atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs) for the treatment of schizophrenia, has not been investigated in detail. A study was undertaken to investigate whether 28-day long treatment with clozapine, ziprasidone or sertindole (using a recommended daily dose for atypical antipsychotic therapy), induced histopathological changes both in rat testicles and prostate, changed the activity of the antioxidant defence system and altered blood testosterone and prolactin. Clozapine, ziprasidone and sertindole induced histopathological changes in rat testicular tissue, which could be attributed to a disturbed testicular antioxidant defence system in addition to an altered prolactin to testosterone ratio. None of the APD treatments induced histopathological changes in prostate. Our results demonstrate that APDs have the capacity to change both redox and endocrinological balance. One or both outcomes could underline testicular degeneration and disturbed spermatogenesis.

Congenital abdominal wall defects and cryptorchidism: a population-based study.

PURPOSE: Several studies have reported high prevalence of undescended testis (UDT) among boys with congenital abdominal wall defects (AWD). Due to rarity of AWDs, however, true prevalence of testicular maldescent among these boys is not known. We conducted a national register study to determine the prevalence of UDT among Finnish males with an AWD. METHODS: All male infants with either gastroschisis or omphalocele born between Jan 1, 1998 and Dec 31, 2015 were identified in the Register of Congenital Malformations. The data on all performed operations were acquired from the Care Register for Health Care. The register data were examined for relevant UDT diagnosis and operation codes. RESULTS: We identified 99 males with gastroschisis and 89 with omphalocele. UDT was diagnosed in 10 (10.1%) infants with gastroschisis and 22 (24.7%) with omphalocele. Majority of these required an operation; 8/99 (8.1%) gastroschisis and 19/89 (21.3%) omphalocele patients. UDT is more common among AWD patients than general population with the highest prevalence in omphalocele. CONCLUSIONS: Cryptorchidism is more common among boys with an AWD than general population. Furthermore, omphalocele carries significantly higher risk of UDT and need for orchidopexy than gastroschisis. Due to high prevalence testicular maldescent, careful follow-up for UDT is recommended.

CHARACTER AND SPECIFICS OF THE STRUCTURAL ALTERATION OF THE PARENCHYMA AND BLOODSTREAM OF THE TESTES OF WHITE RATS WITH PROLONGED ADMINISTRATION OF HIGH DOSES OF PREDNISOLONE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To investigate the nature of morphofunctional changes in the parenchyma and bloodstream of the testes of white rats with prolonged administration of high doses of prednisolone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods: The experiments were performed on rats fed daily for 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. prednisolone was administered intramuscularly at a rate of 0.4 mg / kg. Massometric, organometric, histological and morphometric studies were performed. RESULTS: Results: Administration of high doses of prednisolone resulted in a significant increase in body weight and testicular weight and volume. As the drug was administered, spermatogenesis was activated. The number of immature forms of germ cells increased significantly. At the same time, the specific number of mature forms of sperm decreased. This led to a significant increase in the diameter of the convoluted tubules, the thickness of the spermatogenic epithelium, as well as the index of spermatogenesis. The increase in indicators was especially intense until the 7th day of observation, after which its rate decreased, although the dynamics remained unchanged. The thickness of the protein shell tended to decrease. The detected changes occurred against the background of dilation and plethora of arteries, especially up to 7-14 days of the experiment, after which their intensity decreased slightly. This was accompanied by a simultaneous reversible narrowing of the lumen of small arteries and arterioles. CONCLUSION: Conclusion: Thus, long-term administration of high doses of prednisolone promotes the activation of spermatogenesis with an increase in immature forms of germ cells and a simultaneous decrease in the proportion of mature sperm. Increased vascular blood supply, especially in the early period. In the long run, the capacity of small arteries and arterioles is reduced, as well as the degree of activation of spermatogenesis.

[Serum testosterone and testicular hemodynamics before and after infection with SARS-COV-2 (pilot study)].

INTRODUCTION: The current epidemiological situation dictates a detailed study of the effect of a new coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) on various anatomical, histological, physiological and biochemical parameters of the human body, which has become an integral part of many medical research, including urology, andrology, endocrinology. OBJECTIVE: To study serum testosterone levels and testicular hemodynamics before and after infection with SARS-CoV-2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 patients were examined, before and after suffering SARS-CoV-2 infection (who fell ill at the beginning of 2020). Average age 37.8 years (min=27, max=50). The level of total testosterone (s) in the blood serum and hemodynamic parameters of the testicles (maximum and minimum blood flow velocity and resistance index) were studied. RESULTS: When studying the level of s 3 months after the transferred SARS-CoV-2, its decrease from the initial value was noted (r=0.47; p=0.35), and after 6 months (r=0.98; p<0.007) there was no recovery of the target level of Ts before infection with SARS-CoV-2. Regarding the hemodynamics of the testicles, there was also a decrease in Vmax and Vmin, and an increase in RI, which indicates a deterioration in the blood flow of the testicles (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 affects the level of Ts in the blood serum and the parameters of the hemodynamics of the testicles. The extent to which SARS-CoV-2 affects patient performance depends largely on the severity of the disease and to a lesser extent on baseline performance.

Deleterious effects of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen hydroalcoholic extract on the seminiferous epithelium of adult Balb/c mice.

Several plant species such as Pfaffia glomerata are widely used in traditional Brazilian medicine as stimulants and aphrodisiacs. In this regard, the aim of our study was to explore the effects of the long-term intake of the hydro-alcoholic root extract of P glomerata on the germ and somatic cells within the seminiferous tubules in adult Balb/c mice. The experimental groups were placed as: controls (water and DMSO), and treated with 300 and 400 mg/kg of the root extract. The number of germ and somatic cells, the proportion of pathological seminiferous tubules, and the germ cell apoptotic levels were evaluated. The volume and proportion of the seminiferous epithelium was decreased after the extract intake due to the increased germ cell apoptotic levels. Vacuolization of Sertoli cell cytoplasm was observed widely in pathological tubules, along with fully disorganized epithelia, showing multinucleated cells, which lead to decreased daily sperm production. Taken together, our results indicate that long-term intake of the P glomerata caused deleterious effects on spermatogenesis by inducing apoptosis and altering the seminiferous tubule's epithelial dynamics.

Male Urogenital System Mapped Onto the Sensory Cortex: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evidence.

INTRODUCTION: The projection of the human male urogenital system onto the paracentral lobule has not previously been mapped comprehensively. AIM: To map specific urogenital structures onto the primary somatosensory cortex toward a better understanding of sexual response in men. METHODS: Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we mapped primary somatosensory cortical responses to self-stimulation of the penis shaft, glans, testicles, scrotum, rectum, urethra, prostate, perineum, and nipple. We further compared neural response with erotic and prosaic touch of the penile shaft. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: We identified the primary mapping site of urogenital structures on the paracentral lobule and identified networks involved in perceiving touch as erotic. RESULTS: We mapped sites on the primary somatosensory cortex to which components of the urogenital structures project in men. Evidence is provided that penile cutaneous projection is different from deep penile projection. Similar to a prior report in women, we show that the nipple projects to the same somatosensory cortical region as the genitals. Evidence of differential representation of erotic and nonerotic genital self-stimulation is also provided, the former activating sensory networks other than the primary sensory cortex, indicating a role of "top-down" activity in erotic response. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: We map primary sites of projection of urogenital structures to the primary somatosensory cortex and differentiate cortical sites of erotic from nonerotic genital self-stimulation. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive mapping onto the primary somatosensory cortex of the projection of the components of the urogenital system in men and the difference in cortical activation in response to erotic vs nonerotic self-stimulation. The nipple was found to project to the same cortical region as the genitals. Evidence is provided that superficial and deep penile stimulation project differentially to the cortex, suggesting that sensory innervation of the penis is provided by more than the (pudendal) dorsal nerve. CONCLUSION: This study reconciles prior apparently conflicting findings and offers a comprehensive mapping of male genital components to the paracentral lobule. We provide evidence of differential projection of light touch vs pressure applied to the penile shaft, suggesting differential innervation of its superficial, vs deep structure. Similar to the response in women, we found nipple projection to genital areas of the paracentral lobule. We also provide evidence of differential representation of erotic and nonerotic genital self-stimulation, the former activating sensory networks other than the primary sensory cortex, indicating a role of top-down activity in erotic response. Allen K, Wise N, Frangos E, et al. Male Urogenital System Mapped Onto the Sensory Cortex: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evidence. J Sex Med 2020;17:603-613.

Five testicles in the genital area of a thirteen-month-old baby: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Polyorchidism is a congenital anomaly of the urogenital system and means more than two testes. It is a rare phenomenon, where there are no more than 200 reported cases in the literature. In this case, we report a 13-month year's old case with five testicles. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare five testicles in the genital area of a 13-month-old baby. The initial diagnosis was undescended testis (UDT) based on ultrasound findings where a testis in the abdomen and a testis in the inguinal canal were detected. Surgery with general anaesthesia was performed to diagnose and treat this case. Before surgery, four HCG 1200u injections were administered. During the operation, it was determined that the case had had five testicles. Testicles were on the left in the proximal inguinal canal, and the sac hernia was ligated parallel to the inner ring. The patient was followed up several times after surgery by a urologist, and the results showed that there were no problems, and the intervention was uncomplicated. CONCLUSION: Based on the result, it is not possible to diagnose such cases only by examination or ultrasound in infant patients, as the patient often presents with undescended testis (UDT), so the disease is diagnosed only through surgery.

Correlation of testicular artery Doppler velocimetry with kinetics and morphologic characteristics of epididymal sperm in dogs.

Sperm quality can be affected by a reduction in testicular blood flow, which can be measured by Doppler ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to correlate the Doppler velocimetry of the testicular artery with kinetics of the epididymal spermatozoa in dogs. Twenty-two dogs (44 testicles) were evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography in five regions of the testicular artery before orchiectomy. Spermatozoa were recovered by the epididymal tail compression technique and analysed for kinetics on a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA system). Morphology (modified Karras) and sperm membrane integrity were analysed by eosin-nigrosine staining. Data were analysed by Pearson's correlation test (p < .01). The mean total motility was 69.0% ± 17.7, progressive motility was 43.7% ± 14.7, average path velocity (VAP) was 127.0 µm/s ± 20.7, curvilinear velocity (VCL) was 221.0 µm/s ± 31.1, and sperm velocity index (SVI) was 389.9 ± 56.1. There were positive correlations between the peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the proximal supratesticular region with the SVI (r = .529), VCL (r = .555) and VAP (r = .473), and a negative correlation with the percentage of slow spermatozoa (r = -.463). The results suggest that the testicular artery blood flow velocity can positively affect the speed of spermatozoa movement. For the first time, we have correlated sperm kinetics with the Doppler evaluation of the testicular artery in dogs.

Characterization of Sperm of White Rats at Exposure of Bisphenol A and Triclosan.

We studied the effect of unstable ubiquitous endocrine disruptors (bisphenol A and triclosan) on the reproductive function of mature male Wistar rats. Animals of both experimental groups received bisphenol A and triclosan (homogeneity>97%) in a dose of 200 mg/kg daily for 2 months with food. The concentrations of disruptors were measured directly in the testicular tissue by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In both experimental groups, the concentrations of bisphenol A and triclosan in the testicular tissue significantly differed from the control (intact animals). Animals exposed to bisphenol A significantly differed by sperm parameters (total number, motility, and sperm morphology) from control rats. Animals receiving triclosan significantly differed from control rats only by the number of actively motile spermatozoa and the weight of the testicles.

Structure of Rat Testicles after Intravenous Injection of Nanosized Magnetite Particles.

The structure of the testicles was studied in adult rats in 120 days after a single intravenous injection of chitosan-modified (magnetic nanospheres) and lipid-modified (magnetoliposomes) nanosized magnetite particles. Perls histochemical reaction detected in the testicular interstitial connective tissue the cells which absorbed and accumulated magnetite nanoparticles. The dynamics of spermatogenesis index and the count of Perls+ cells in the rat testicles were traced throughout the experiment. The studied modified nanosized magnetite particles did not penetrate through the blood-testicle barrier in rats.

Innovative method of diagnostics abdominal forms of cryptorchism at the children for prevention of infertility.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Topicability of this problem is caused by well-spread of cryptorchism among children: from 2-3% at newborn boys in UK to 10-12% of newborn boys in the Post Soviet Union countries. Degenerative processes, occured in testicle could lead to the development of eunuchoidism, feminization, gynecomastia, infantilism. In the future, changes in seminiferous epithelium contribute to the development of male infertility, impotence and malignant tumors - seminoma, teratoblastoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The aim: To improve diagnosis for abdominal forms of cryptorchism at the children through implementation innovative methods in practice (laparoscopic diagnostics). Materials and methods: For a period from 2014 to 2017 years were carried out 43 diagnostic laparoscopy of non palpated testicle syndrome. By age children were distributed into the following groups: up to 1 year -18 children, 1-2 years - 25 children. RESULTS: Results: Analyzing results of our research there is no doubt that laparoscopy is one of the most reliable methods of diagnosis abdominal cryptorchism in children. This method allows both to determine location of a damaged testicle in the abdominal cavity, but also to assess its condition, developed further tactics of treatment. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Laparoscopic diagnosis abdominal forms of cryptorchism is the most reliable method in a comparison with computed tomography, ultrasound, radioisotope studies. Procedure of laparoscopic diagnosis could show not only location and condition of the testis, blood vessels and ductus deferens, but help to develop the further treatment tactics.

Presence of viable germ cells in testicular regression syndrome remnants: Is routine excision indicated? A systematic review.

There is no consensus in the literature about the necessity for excision of testicular remnants in the context of surgery for an impalpable testis and testicular regression syndrome (TRS). The incidence of germ cells (GCs) within these nubbins varies between 0 and 16% in previously published series. There is a hypothetical potential future malignancy risk, although there has been only one previously described isolated report of intratubular germ-cell neoplasia. Our aim was to ascertain an accurate incidence of GCs and seminiferous tubules (SNTs) within excised nubbins and hence guide evidence-based practice. The systematic review protocol was designed according to the PRISMA guidelines, and subsequently published by the PROSPERO database after review (CRD42013006034). The primary outcome measure was the incidence of GCs and the secondary outcome was the incidence of SNTs. The comprehensive systematic review included articles published between 1980 and 2016 in all the relevant databases using specific search parameters and terms. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were ultilised to identify articles relevant to the review questions. Twenty-nine paediatric studies with a total of 1455 specimens were included in the systematic review. The mean age of the patients undergoing nubbin resection was 33 months and the TRS specimen was more commonly excised from the left (68%). The incidence of SNTs was 10.7% (156/1455) and the incidence of GCs, 5.3% (77/1455). Histological analysis excluding the presence of either SNTs or GCs was consistent with TRS, fibrosis, calcification or haemosiderin deposits. There is limited evidence on subset analysis that GCs and SNTs may persist with increasing patient age. This systematic review has identified that 1 in 20 of resected testicular remnants has viable GCs and 1 in 10 has SNTs present. There is insufficiently strong evidence for the persistence of GCs and SNTs with time or future malignant potential. Intra-abdominal TRS specimens may contain more elements and, therefore, require excision, although this is based on limited evidence. However, there is no available strong evidence to determine that a TRS specimen requires routine excision in an inguinal or scrotal position.

[testicles self examination - knowledge and abilities - survey study].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Testicle cancer is a common malignant cancer among young men (20 to 44 years). In 90% of cases we can feel nodule or change of consistency, which means during testicles self examination we can quickly discover cancer. The aim: To estimate the level of knowledge about testicles self examination among men and also medical stuff and students. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: We gathered the data through the internet questionnaire, which contained of 13 questions. There were 204 respondents (53% women and 47% men). 93% were related with medicine. Average age was 23,5 years old. The participation in the study was voluntary and annonymous. RESULTS: Results: Only 41% of our respondents perform self examination. When asked if They every had Their testicles checked by a doctor only 33% responded positively. Most of the respondents almost correctly point out symtpoms and risk factors of testicles cancer. Only 22% of medical related respondents feel confident while performing testicles examination with the patient and just 12% of them had a chance to do it during studies. We also asked our respondents if They have ever seen a social campaign about priopriate testicles self exmiantion and 80% of them respondet negatively. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The level of education about testicles examination is on low level. Men are usually aware of the risk, but They neglect it. In most cases doctors do not examine testicles and are not confident about it. We have to put more concern to that case.

Relationship between mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, plateletcrit and varicocele.

Increases in platelet count and platelet indices such as mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (RDW) and plateletcrit (PCT) have been reported in a wide range of pathological settings. The aetiology of varicocele, a vascular disease, is poorly defined. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between varicocele, platelet count and a series of platelet indices. A total of 69 patients with varicocele and 56 patients without varicocele were enrolled in the study. Patient sperm parameters, platelet, MPV, PDW and PCT values were analysed. There were semen abnormalities in 37 (53.6%) patients in the varicocele group and 19 (33.9%) patients in nonvaricocele group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in platelet count or platelet indices (MPV, PDW and PCT) between the patients with and without varicocele (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in platelet count or MPV, PDW and PCT between patients with varicocele and the control subjects.

THE EFFECTS OF MATERNAL HYPOTHYROIDISM ON THE IMMUNOREACTIVITY OF CYTOCHROME P450 AROMATASE IN THE POSTNATAL RAT TESTICLES.

INTRODUCTION: Abnormal thyroid function affect spermato-genesis and male infertility. For men, the aromatase deficiency can cause infertility. In this study, the aim is to investigate the effect of maternal hypothyroidism on offspring testicular morphology and cytochrome-P450-aromatase (P450arom) immunoreactivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen Wistar albino pregnant rats were divided into three groups, namely A, B and K groups. Hypothyroidism was induced by adding 0.01% of propyl thiouracil (PTU) in drinking water. Hypothyroid mothers, group A: given PTU for 21 days during pregnancy, group B: given PTU for 21 days prior to pregnancy; control mothers, group K, given only water. Hypothyroid and control group mothers' pups at postnatal day (PND) 15 and 60 were sacrificed. We determined immunoreactivity intensity of P450arom and mRNA levels by RT-PCR performed in the testis tissues. ELISA method was used for thyroid function tests for T3, T4 and TSH. Structure of seminiferous tubule was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS: It was seen that the aromatase expression in 15-day-old maternal hypothyroid groups was similar to the one in the control group while there was a decline in the aromatase expression of 60-day-old groups. As for mRNA, it was determined that it had a tendency to increase over time in all groups but this increase was not significant. The tubule diameter and Johnsen's Testicular Biopsy Score diminished in all hypothyroid groups in comparison to the control group. CONCLUSION: The changes that occur in the early period of testis development due to maternal hypothyroidism negatively affect testis development in the next stages of life. This situation leads to a decline in aromatase expression in the following years.