Expression of miRNA-371a-3p in seminal plasma and ejaculate is associated with sperm concentration.

BACKGROUND: The microRNAs of the miR-371-3 cluster are novel serum markers for testicular germ cell tumors. Sporadic reports suggested the expression of this miRNA in semen. OBJECTIVES: To verify the expression of miR-371a-3p in seminal plasma and unprocessed ejaculate; to compare seminal plasma miRNA levels in germ cell tumors patients with those of controls; to look for an association of miRNA levels with semen quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The miR-371a-3p expression was analyzed with qPCR. The study population consisted of 100 participants: seminal plasma samples from 20 germ cell tumors patients and 30 controls, serum samples from 12 healthy men, ejaculate samples from 38 men undergoing fertility testing. RESULTS: The seminal plasma miR-371a-3p levels of germ cell tumors patients were not different from controls. The miRNA expression was very low in serum but much higher in seminal plasma. In ejaculate samples, the miRNA expression significantly correlated with sperm concentration and the total sperm count. DISCUSSION: miR-371-a-3p is present in sperm-containing fluids. Seminal plasma levels cannot be used to distinguish germ cell tumors from controls. The correlation with sperm concentration in ejaculate samples suggests the spermatozoa as possible source of miR-371a-3p production. CONCLUSION: The miR-371a-3p levels in ejaculate could represent a novel biomarker for the non-invasive evaluation of male infertility.

Pregnancy after intracytoplasmic sperm injection of spermatozoa extracted from frozen-thawed testicular biopsy.

The case report illustrates the successful application of a new method of sperm extraction from frozen-thawed testicular biopsy specimen within an established programme of intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

A new concept for the extraction of testicular spermatozoa as a tool for assisted fertilization (ICSI).

A new method is described for the enzymatic preparation of testicular tissue to obtain vital spermatozoa for ICSI. The tissue obtained from both testes by biopsy is studied by means of the semi-thin section method as well as being cryo-preserved. If spermatid formation is assured by semi-thin section histology, vital spermatozoa from the cryo-preserved portion of testicular tissue are enzymatically prepared. In this way it is possible to optimize the reproductive medical treatment for those couples in whom an extracorporal fertilization of oocytes by means of testicular spermatozoa is being considered.