Effects of therapeutic ultrasound and moderate heat on stallion testes.

Transplantation of stem cells into dysfunctional testes is currently being investigated as a therapeutic option for men and stallions with advanced testicular degeneration. This series of "proof of concept" studies aimed to identify a safe and efficient method of inducing severe testicular degeneration to create an optimal equine recipient model for intratesticular stem cell transplantation (SCT). Two ex vivo and two in vivo experiments were conducted. At first, forty testes obtained from castrations were used to identify an effective therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) device and the protocol for increasing intratesticular temperature in stallions. Six min of treatment using the Vetrison Clinic Portable TUS machine raised the intratesticular temperature by 8°C-12.5 °C. This protocol was applied to treat three scrotal testes in three Miniature horse stallions, three times, every other day. Contralateral testes served as controls. There were signs of slight tubular degeneration in treated testes two and three weeks after TUS treatment. The number of seminiferous tubules (STs) with exfoliated germ cells (GCs) was increased in one testis only, three weeks after treatment. The degree of apoptosis of GCs was higher in each treated testis in comparison to the contralateral control testis. Next, the ability of various heating devices to increase intratesticular temperatures to at least 43 °C in stallion testes was tested, using twenty testes obtained from castrations. ThermaCare® Lower Back & Hip Pain Therapy Heatwrap (TC heat wrap) reliably increased intratesticular temperatures and kept them continuously between 43 °C and 48 °C for seven to 8 h. In the follow-up in vivo study, the left testes of three Miniature horse stallions were treated with TUS, after which both testes of each stallion were treated with moderate heat provided by the TC heat wrap (three times, every other day, for 5 h each time). There were signs of moderate tubular degeneration in the samples from all treated testes obtained three weeks after treatments (Heat only or Heat/TUS): areas with hypospermatogenesis, spermatogenic arrest, vacuolized Sertoli cells, numerous STs with exfoliated GCs, increased degree of GCs apoptosis, and changes in three histomorphometric numeric attributes of STs. We concluded that TUS or TC wraps increase intratesticular temperature of the isolated stallion testes. Further, treatment with TUS or moderate heat may induce mild to moderate degenerative changes in stallion testes. However, to achieve more robust result - severe testicular degeneration, our treatment protocol has to be modified.

The impact of regular sperm donation on bulls' seminal plasma hormonal profile and phantom response.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the concentration of hormones in the seminal plasma, the bull maintenance system in the insemination station, and the regularity of sperm donation and the response to the phantom (libido level). An additional goal was to determine whether there is a relationship between the hormonal profile in the blood, the sperm plasma, the oxidative and antioxidant profile in the blood of bulls and the biometry of their testicles and scrotum, as well as the quality of their sperm in both different seasons and intensities of reproductive use. For the study, 220 healthy and sexually mature Polish Holstein-Friesian bulls were used. They all had normal libido and were fed equally. The animals were grouped according to the scheme: young (16-20 month/n = 60) and old (26-30 month/n = 60) including: individually housed (n = 30) and group housed (n = 30) young, old individually housed (n = 30) and group housed (n = 30) (n total animals = 120); young animals donating semen once a week (every Thursday) (n = 25) and sporadically (once every two months on a random day of the week) (n = 25), old animals donating semen once a week (every Thursday) (n = 25 ) and sporadic donors (once every two months on a random day of the week) (n = 25) (n total animals = 100). When analyzing the results of this study, it should be stated that regular use has a positive effect on the secretion of sex hormones in bulls. Higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of estradiol and prostaglandins resulted in higher sexual performance, expressed by a stronger response to the phantom. The differences in favor of regular use were independent of the bull's age. The results of our research illustrate that the quality of semen and its freezing potential may depend on the season and frequency of its collection, as well as on the age of the males.

Genome-wide association study to identify genomic regions and positional candidate genes associated with male fertility in beef cattle.

Fertility plays a key role in the success of calf production, but there is evidence that reproductive efficiency in beef cattle has decreased during the past half-century worldwide. Therefore, identifying animals with superior fertility could significantly impact cow-calf production efficiency. The objective of this research was to identify candidate regions affecting bull fertility in beef cattle and positional candidate genes annotated within these regions. A GWAS using a weighted single-step genomic BLUP approach was performed on 265 crossbred beef bulls to identify markers associated with scrotal circumference (SC) and sperm motility (SM). Eight windows containing 32 positional candidate genes and five windows containing 28 positional candidate genes explained more than 1% of the genetic variance for SC and SM, respectively. These windows were selected to perform gene annotation, QTL enrichment, and functional analyses. Functional candidate gene prioritization analysis revealed 14 prioritized candidate genes for SC of which MAP3K1 and VIP were previously found to play roles in male fertility. A different set of 14 prioritized genes were identified for SM and five were previously identified as regulators of male fertility (SOD2, TCP1, PACRG, SPEF2, PRLR). Significant enrichment results were identified for fertility and body conformation QTLs within the candidate windows. Gene ontology enrichment analysis including biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components revealed significant GO terms associated with male fertility. The identification of these regions contributes to a better understanding of fertility associated traits and facilitates the discovery of positional candidate genes for future investigation of causal mutations and their implications.

Reproductive, antioxidant and metabolic responses of Ossimi rams to kisspeptin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential reproductive, antioxidant and metabolic effects of kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) on Ossimi rams. Twelve Ossimi rams (1.5-2 years old) were divided randomly into two groups (six per group). The first one served as a control group, while the second one served as a treated group. Rams of the treated group were injected once weekly with KP-10 (5 µg/kg body weight) for one month. There were no significant differences in all measured parameters between rams of control group at pre-treatment period and those at post-treatment period. However, most examined parameters in the same rams in the treated group were affected by injection of KP-10 when comparing pre-treatment values in treated group with its post-treatment values. At the pre-treatment period, there were no significant differences between the treated and control groups regarding semen pH, mass motility, sperm concentration/mL, live and dead spermatozoa, total sperm abnormality, testosterone and oxidative stress and metabolic parameters. However, all semen characteristics were significantly improved in the treated group compared with the control group at the post-treatment period and in the treated group at the post-treatment period compared with that at the pre-treatment period. In addition, scrotal circumference, ejaculate volume and total sperm concentration/ejaculate showed higher significant improvements when comparing the treated group with the control one at the post-treatment period than when comparing the two groups at the pre-treatment period and also when comparing the treated group at the post-treatment period with that at the pre-treatment period. Serum testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxides, nitric oxide, total protein, albumin, glucose and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels significantly increased when comparing the treated group with the control one at the post-treatment period and also when comparing the treated group at the post-treatment period with that at the pre-treatment period. In conclusion, KP-10 led to potential improvement in the reproductive efficacy and metabolic capacity of Ossimi ram.

Impact of Metabolically Healthy Obesity in Patients with Andrological Problems.

BACKGROUND: Although the pathogenic role of metabolically complicated obesity (MCO) in erectile dysfunction (ED), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and male infertility has been widely studied, that of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) has been poorly investigated. AIM: To assess the role of MHO in the pathogenesis of ED, prediction of MACE, and male reproductive health. METHODS: A consecutive series of 4,945 men (mean age, 50.5 ± 13.5 years) with sexual dysfunction (SD) (cohort 1) and 231 male partners of infertile couples (mean age, 37.9 ± 9.1 years; cohort 2) were studied. A subset of men with SD (n = 1,687) was longitudinally investigated to evaluate MACE. All patients underwent clinical, biochemical, erectile function, and flaccid penile color Doppler ultrasound (PCDU) assessment. Infertile men also underwent scrotal and transrectal ultrasound; semen analysis, including interleukin (IL-) 8; and prostatitis-like symptom assessment. MHO was defined as body mass index >30 kg/m2 with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level >40 mg/dL and absence of diabetes or hypertension. The rest of the obesity sample was defined as MCO. MHO or MCO were compared with the rest of the sample, defined as normal weight (NW) individuals. OUTCOMES: Clinical, biochemical, erectile, and PCDU assessment in MHO, MCO and NW men in both cohorts; longitudinal MACE incidence assessment in cohort 1. RESULTS: In cohort 1, 816 men (16.5%) were obese, 181 (3.7%) were MHO, and 635 (12.8%) were MCO. In cohort 2, 68 men (28.4%) were obese, 19 (8.2%) were MHO, and 49 (21.2%) were MCO. After adjusting for confounders, in both samples, the men with MHO and MCO had lower total testosterone levels and worse PCDU parameters compared with the NW men. However, only MCO men had worse erectile function compared with NW men. In the longitudinal study, both MHO and MCO men independently had a higher incidence of MACE compared with NW men (P < .05 for both). In cohort 2, MHO and MCO men had a larger prostate volume, and MCO men also had higher ultrasound and biochemical (IL-8) features of prostatic inflammation compared with NW men, but no differences in prostatitis-like symptoms or seminal parameters. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: MHO men should be considered at high cardiovascular risk like MCO men and followed-up for erectile dysfunction and prostate abnormalities overtime. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The study simultaneously examined several endpoints with validated instruments within 2 different male populations, 1 with SD and 1 with infertility. As for limitations, there is no consensus in the scientific community regarding the definition of MHO, and the results are derived from patients with SD or infertility, which could have different characteristics than the general male population. CONCLUSION: MHO is associated with subclinical ED, increased cardiovascular risk, and prostate enlargement. Lotti F, Rastrelli G, Maseroli E, et al. Impact of Metabolically Healthy Obesity in Patients with Andrological Problems. J Sex Med 2019:16;821-832.

Measurement of bovine body and scrotal temperature using implanted temperature sensitive radio transmitters, data loggers and infrared thermography.

Synchronous and continuous measurement of body (BT) and scrotal temperature (ST) without adverse welfare or behavioural interference is essential for understanding thermoregulation of the bull testis. This study compared three technologies for their efficacy for long-term measurement of the relationship between BT and ST by means of (1) temperature sensitive radio transmitters (RT), (2) data loggers (DL) and (3) infrared imaging (IRI). After an initial pilot study on two bulls to establish a surgical protocol, RTs and DLs were implanted into the flank and mid-scrotum of six Wagyu bulls for between 29 and 49 days. RT frequencies were scanned every 15 min, whilst DLs logged every 30 min. Infrared imaging of the body (flank) and scrotum of each bull was recorded hourly for one 24-h period and compared to RT and DL data. After a series of subsequent heat stress studies, bulls were castrated and testicular tissue samples processed for evidence of histopathology. Radio transmitters were less reliable than DLs; RTs lost >11 % of data, whilst 11 of the 12 DLs had 0 % data loss. IRI was only interpretable in 35.8 % of images recorded. Pearson correlations between DL and RT were strong for both BT (r > 0.94, P < 0.001) and ST (r > 0.80, P < 0.001). Surgery produced temporary minor inflammation and scrotal hematoma in two animals post-surgery. Whilst scar tissue was observed at all surgical sutured sites when bulls were castrated, there was no evidence of testicular adhesion and normal active spermatogenesis was observed in six of the eight implanted testicles. There was no significant correlation of IRI with either DL or RT. We conclude that DLs provided to be a reliable continuous source of data for synchronous measurement of BT and ST.

Chemical castration in cattle with intratesticular injection of sodium chloride: Effects on stress and inflammatory markers.

Intratesticular injection (ITI) of sodium chloride (NaCl) is efficient for chemical castration of young calves, but its effects on calves welfare are unknown. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of ITI of 20% NaCl on stress and inflammatory markers in calves less than 20 days old and to assess the efficiency of ITI of 30% NaCl in 5 months old calves. In Experiment 1, control calves were only restrained and compared to calves submitted to castration through surgery (SC) and ITI with 20% NaCl (n = 9/group). No differences were observed for the eye corner temperature measured by thermography from 60 s before to 60 s after the procedures (P > 0.05). In the SC group, acute serum cortisol levels increased at 30 and 60 min after the procedure, but increased levels in the ITI group occurred only at 30 min (P < 0.05). Chronic discomfort markers were measured at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after the procedures (D0, D1, D2, D3 and D4, respectively). The serum levels of the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) enzyme and cortisol did not differ among groups (P > 0.05). Scrotal temperature was higher at D1 in the SC group than for the other groups, but lowest at D4 compared to the control (both P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, histological sections of testes were compared after ITI with either 30% NaCl or 30% calcium chloride (CaCl2), to intact calves (control). After 60 days, intact seminiferous tubules and mediastinum were observed after ITI with 30% NaCl, whereas coagulative necrosis, inflammatory infiltration and calcification occurred after ITI with 30% CaCl2. Efficient chemical castration through ITI of 20% NaCl in young calves was followed by slight stress and inflammatory responses compared to surgical castration. However, ITI of 30% NaCl was ineffective for chemical castration of 5 months old calves.

Capsaicin attenuates spermatogenic cell death induced by scrotal hyperthermia through its antioxidative and anti-apoptotic activities.

This study was performed to examine whether capsaicin, the main pungent ingredient of red peppers, exerts protective effects against testicular injuries induced by transient scrotal hyperthermia. Capsaicin (0.33 mg kg-1 ) was administered subcutaneously to mice one hour before heat stress (HS) in a 43°C water bath for 20 min. After 7 days, mice exposed to HS showed low testicular weight, severe vacuolisation of seminiferous tubules followed by loss of spermatogenic cells, and appearance of multinucleated giant cells and remarkable TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells, as well as weak immunoreactivity of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) in spermatogenic cells. Levels of lipid peroxidation and heat shock 70-kDa protein 1 (Hsp72) and BCL2-associated X protein (Bax) mRNA were greatly increased, but PHGPx, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) mRNAs were significantly diminished in the testes by HS. However, capsaicin pre-treatment significantly suppressed the spermatogenic cell death, oxidative stress (levels of MDA, PHGPx immunoreactivity, and Hsp72, PHGPx, and MnSOD mRNA) and apoptosis (levels of TUNEL-positive cells, and Bcl-xL and Bax mRNA) in testes by HS. These suggest that capsaicin has a protective effect against spermatogenic cell death induced by scrotal hyperthermia through its antioxidative and anti-apoptotic activities.

Influence of scrotal bipartition on spermatogenesis yield and sertoli cell efficiency in sheep / Influência da bipartição escrotal sobre o rendimento da espermatogênese e eficiência das células de Sertoli em ovinos

With the objective to assess the effect of scrotal bipartition on spermatogenesis in sheep, the testes were used from 12 crossbred rams of sheep farms in the municipality of Patos, Paraíba, Brazil, distributed into two groups: GI with six rams with scrotal bipartition, and GII with six rams without scrotal bipartition. The testicular biometry was measured and the testes were collected, fixed in Bouin and fragments were processed to obtain histological slides. The spermatogenesis yield and the Sertoli cell efficiency was estimated by counting the cells of the spermatogenetic line at stage one of the seminiferous epithelium cycle and the Sertoli cells. The results were submitted to analysis of variance with the ASSISTAT v.7.6 program and the mean values were compared by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (SNK) at 5% significance. The testicular biometric parameters did not show statistical difference (p>0.05) between the groups. The meiotic, spermatogenetic and Sertoli cell efficiency were higher in bipartitioned rams (p<0.05), while the mitotic yield did not differ (p>0.05) between GI and GII. The results indicated that there is superiority in the spermatogenetic parameters of bi-partitioned rams, suggesting that these sheep present, as reported in goats, indication of better reproductive indices.

Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da bipartição escrotal sobre a espermatogênese em ovinos, foram utilizados os testículos de 12 ovinos sem raça definida oriundos de criadouros do município de Patos-PB, Brasil, distribuídos em dois grupos, GI de seis animais com bipartição escrotal e o GII de seis animais sem bipartição escrotal. Realizou-se a aferição da biometria testicular, em seguida, os testículos foram coletados, fixados em Bouin e fragmentos foram processados para obtenção de lâminas histológicas. Foi estimado o rendimento da espermatogênese e eficiência das células de Sertoli contando-se as células da linhagem espermatogênica no estádio I do Ciclo do Epitélio Seminífero, bem como as células de Sertoli. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo programa ASSISTAT v.7.6 e os valores médios foram comparados pelo teste Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) a 5% de significância. Os parâmetros de biometria testicular não apresentaram diferença estatística (p>0,05) entre os grupos. Os rendimentos meiótico, espermatogênico e a eficiência das células de Sertoli mostraram-se superiores em animais bipartidos (p<0,05), enquanto o rendimento mitótico não diferiu (p>0,05) entre GI e GII. Os resultados indicaram existir superioridade nos parâmetros espermatogênicos de ovinos bipartidos, sugerindo que estes animais apresentam, assim como constatado em caprinos, indicativo de melhores índices reprodutivos.

The importance of the gubernaculum in testicular migration during the human fetal period

Objectives The objective of this review is to study the role of the gubernaculum in the testicular migration process during the human fetal period. Materials and Methods We performed a descriptive review of the literature about the role of the gubernaculum in testicular migration during the human fetal period. Results In the first phase of testicular migration, the gubernaculum enlarges to hold the testis near the groin and in the second phase the gubernaculum migrates across the pubic region to reach the scrotum. The proximal portion of the gubernaculum is attached to the testis and epididymis and the presence of multiple insertions in the distal gubernaculum is extremely rare. The presence of muscle and nerves in the human gubernaculum is very poor. The gubernaculum of patients with cryptorchidism has more fibrous tissue and less collagen and when the patients are submitted to hormonal treatment, the gubernaculum components alter significantly. Conclusions The gubernaculum presents significant structural modifications during testicular migration in human fetuses. .

Integrated evaluation of scrotal temperature and testosteronemia after GnRH administration in young bulls with low semen production.

The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of thermographic monitoring of scrotal surface temperature (SST) as a method to monitor testicular function. Yearling bulls (n = 23) with low semen production were selected. Scrotal surface temperature and serum testosterone (T) concentrations were evaluated before and after administration of 10.5 µg buserelin acetate IV. Thermographic images of scrotum were recorded at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min post-GnRH, while blood sampling was only performed at 60 min post-GnRH. Bulls were divided in two groups: LowTemp bulls (n = 10) had a decreased SST at 60 min; HighTemp bulls (n = 13) had an increased SST. After 60 min, LowTemp bulls had higher T concentrations compared to HighTemp bulls: 14.32 ng/ml ± 0.53 vs 10.30 ± 1.37 ng/ml (mean ± SEM; p < 0.05), respectively. Reproductive performances in both groups improved after GnRH administration, resulting in an increased number of inseminating doses from each collection, which was higher in LowTemp bulls. Pearson correlation test showed a negative relationship between T and SST (r = -0.554). In conclusion, a decreased scrotal surface temperature 60 min after GnRH treatment was associated with improved semen production.

Impact of fine- or large-needle aspiration on canine testes: clinical, in vivo ultrasonographic and seminological assessment.

The safety and consequences of fine- (FNA) and large-needle aspiration (LNA) to the testicular parenchyma and its normal function have not been thoroughly established. This study was performed to accurately assess, by serial clinical, in vivo ultrasonographic and seminological examinations, the type and extent of the effect of FNA or LNA on canine testes. Eighteen sexually mature, 1-2 years old, healthy laboratory Beagles were used. One of their testes was aspirated using a 23-G butterfly needle (FN) and the other using a 19-G butterfly needle (LN). Two dogs at a time were orchiectomized 10, 60 min, 2, 14, 29, 63, 76, 90 or 180 days post-aspiration. Five and 2 days and 1 h before aspiration (in all dogs), immediately post-aspiration, and 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 14, 19, 29, 35, 43, 49, 56, 63, 70, 76, 90, 111, 132 and 180 days post-aspiration (in the remaining intact dogs), evaluation of scrotal surface temperature over each testis, evaluation of scrotum-testis volume by electronic sliding callipers, ultrasonographic evaluation of testicular volume and texture and clinical and semen examination were performed. Following FNA and LNA, the clinical and ultrasonographic appearance of the testis were normal. Sperm production nearly always remained unchanged, with the exception of a slight decrease in spermatozoal motility 2-14 days post-aspiration. However, even then, with the exception of six samples, spermatozoal motility was above normal values. Within the parameters of this experiment, testicular FNA and LNA have no ill effect on sperm production or clinical and ultrasonographic appearance of the canine testis, and therefore, both FNA and LNA should be considered safe.

Sperm morphological characteristic and mating behaviour of Proviron® treated West African dwarf bucks with testicular degeneration / Características morfológicas de los espermatozoides y comportamiento en el apareamiento de la cabra enana del Oeste Africano con degeneración testicular tratadas con Proviron®

This study was conducted to determine the effect of scrotal insulation and post insulation Proviron® treatment on sperm morphological characteristics and mating behavior. Twelve healthy WAD bucks, free from any clinical or andrological disorder were used. Scrotal insulation was done using insulating bags for 30 days. After insulation, the bucks were divided into two groups. The treatment group received 100mg/head /week of Proviron® for 3 weeks. Semen collection was done using the electroejaculation method in all phases of the study. The proviron® treated bucks, when compared with insulation and post insulation untreated phases, showed significant reduction (p<0.05) in sperm cell abnormalities which reduced from 15.89 +/- 22.89 in post insulation untreated phase to 2.81 +/- 0.83 in post insulation treated phase. The Proviron® treated bucks also showed increased physical vigor by riding, mounting and fighting their untreated counterparts.

Este estudio se realizó para determinar el efecto de aislamiento escrotal y aislamiento posterior al tratamiento con Proviron® sobre las características morfológicas de los espermatozoides y el comportamiento del apareamiento. Fueron utilizadas 12 cabras enanas del Oeste Africano, sanas, libres de cualquier desorden clínico andrológico. El aislamiento escrotal se realizó utilizando bolsas de aislamiento durante 30 días. Después de aislamiento, los machos se dividieron en dos grupos. El grupo de tratamiento recibió 100mg/cada una por semana de Proviron® durante 3 semanas. La recolección de semen se realizó mediante el método de electroeyaculación en todas las fases del estudio. Las cabras tratadas con Proviron®, cuando se compararon con las fases post-aislamiento no tratadas, mostraron una reducción significativa (p<0,05) en las anormalidades de células espermáticas, las cuales se redujeron desde 15,89 +/- 22,89 en las fases post-aislamiento sin tratamiento a 2,81 +/- 0,83 en las fases post-aislamiento tratadas. Las cabras tratadas con Proviron® también mostraron un incremento en el vigor físico, la monta y la lucha contra sus homólogos no tratados.

Influence of the bipartite scrotum on the testicular and scrotal temperatures in goats / Influência do escroto bipartido sobre as temperaturas dos testículos e escroto em caprinos

The influence of the scrotal bipartition and of the year period on the scrotal-testicular thermal regulation was evaluated in male goats raised in Piaui State, Brazil. Eighteen male goats at mating age were accomplished in this study and arranged into three Groups (6 animals each) obeying the classification as goats presenting no scrotal bipartition (Group I), goats showing scrotal bipartition at 50 percent of the testicular length (Group II), and goats with more than 50 percent of scrotal bipartition (Group III). The scrotal, testicular and spermatic funiculi temperatures were evaluated invasively with the aid of a digital thermometer and non-invasive with a pyrometer in the proximal, medial and distal portion. The data were acquired during the dry (October-November) and rainy (February-March) period of the year, measured in two shifts: morning (6h00-7h00) and afternoon (14h00-15h00). The results were submitted to variance analysis (ANOVA) following the SNK test for average comparison (p<0.05). The year period interfered on the scrotal-testicular thermal regulation, due to increased temperatures of the scrotal, testicular and spermatic funiculi during the dry period in comparison with the rainy period. The bipartition level was also a factor which contributed to the influence of scrotal-testicular temperature regulation, due to lower average scrotal-testicular temperature rates observed during both periods in the goats with higher levels of scrotal bipartition (>50 percent). It is possible to conclude that with the experimental conditions applied on this study, the level of scrotal bipartition and the climatic conditions interfere with the scrotal-testicular thermal regulation in goats.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do grau de bipartição escrotal e do período do ano sobre a termorregulação escroto-testicular em caprinos criados no Estado do Piauí. Foram utilizados 18 reprodutores caprinos machos, divididos em três grupos de seis animais: O Grupo I contendo caprinos com escroto simples, o Grupo II, caprinos com escroto bipartido até 50 por cento do comprimento testicular e o Grupo III, caprinos com bipartição superior a 50 por cento do comprimento testicular. Os parâmetros avaliados foram as temperaturas do escroto, testículo e funículo espermático, obtidas de forma invasiva, com um termômetro digital termoacoplável, e não invasiva, com um pirômetro, nos terços proximal, médio e distal. Os dados foram coletados nos períodos seco (outubro-novembro) e chuvoso (fevereiro-março) do ano, bem como, nos turnos da manhã (6h00 às 7h00) e tarde (14h00 às 15h00). Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) seguida do teste SNK para comparação das médias (p<0,05). O período do ano interferiu na termorregulação escroto-testicular, pois no período seco as temperaturas do escroto, testículo e funículo espermático foram mais elevadas que as observadas no período chuvoso. O grau de bipartição do escroto foi outro fator que modificou a temperatura escroto-testicular, já que os caprinos que apresentaram escroto com maior grau de bipartição demonstraram as menores médias das temperaturas escroto-testiculares em ambos os períodos e turnos avaliados. Conclui-se, portanto, que tanto o período do ano quanto o grau de bipartição do escroto influenciaram o processo de termorregulação escroto-testicular em caprinos.

Testicular volume, scrotal temperature, and oxidative stress in fertile men with left varicocele.

The testicular volume in fertile men with undetermined varicoceles was comparable with men without varicoceles. Elevation of scrotal temperature without an increase of oxidative stress in fertile men with varicoceles indicates a disturbance of the oxidative stress scavenging system in infertile men with varicoceles.

Escroto agudo / Acute scrotum

Se conoce con el nombre de escroto agudo el cuadro clínico caracterizado por la aparición de dolor agudo acompañado de tumefacción y signos inflamatorios a nivel escrotal y generalmente resulta ser una consulta de emergencia.

Effect of nutrition during calfhood and peripubertal period on serum metabolic hormones, gonadotropins and testosterone concentrations, and on sexual development in bulls.

The objective of the present study was to characterize the effects of nutrition on circulating concentrations of metabolic hormones, gonadotropins, and testosterone during sexual development in bulls. Nutrition regulated the hypothalamus-pituitary-testes axis through effects on the GnRH pulse generator in the hypothalamus and through direct effects on the testes. Pituitary function (gonadotropin secretion after GnRH challenge) was not affected by nutrition. However, nutrition affected LH pulse frequency and basal LH concentration during the early gonadotropin rise (10-26 weeks of age). There were close temporal associations between changes in insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations and changes in LH pulse frequency, suggesting a role for IGF-I in regulating the early gonadotropin rise in bulls. The peripubertal increase in testosterone concentration was delayed in bulls with lesser serum IGF-I concentrations (low nutrition), suggesting a role for IGF-I in regulating Leydig cell function. Serum IGF-I concentrations accounted for 72 and 67% of the variation in scrotal circumference and paired-testes volume, respectively (at any given age), indicating that IGF-I may regulate testicular growth. Bulls with a more sustained elevated LH pulse frequency during the early gonadotropin rise (high nutrition) had greater testicular mass at 70 weeks of age relative to the control group (medium nutrition), despite no differences in metabolic hormone concentrations after 26 weeks of age. Therefore, gonadotropin-independent mechanism regulating testicular growth might be dependent on previous gonadotropin milieu.

Puberdade em touros Nelore criados em pasto no Brasil: características corporais, testiculares e seminais e de índice de capacidade andrológica por pontos / Puberty in Nellore bulls raised at pasture in Brazil: body, testicular and seminal characteristics and breeding soundness evaluation

Foram utilizados 23 touros da raça Nelore entre os 10 e 20 meses de idade, para caracterizar o desenvolvimento puberal. Os animais foram criados em condições extensivas com alimentação em pasto e suplementação mineral. A cada duas ou quatro semanas foram realizadas colheitas de dados que incluíram medidas de peso corporal, circunferência torácica, comprimento e largura testicular e circunferência escrotal. Foram, também, colhidos ejaculados pela eletroejaculação e avaliados os aspectos físicos e morfológicos. No momento da colheita de sêmen foram aferidas as porcentagens de desprendimento entre pênis e prepúcio e determinadas as idades médias ao desprendimento total (IDPPRE). Foram determinadas as idades médias ao aparecimento dos primeiros espermatozóides (ISEM1) e dos primeiros espermatozóides móveis (ISEM2) no ejaculado, e a puberdade seminal (IDPUB). Estabeleceram-se os índices de capacidade andrológica por pontos (ICAP). Os touros Nelore apresentaram idades médias ISEM1, ISEM2 e IDPUB de 13,1±2,2, 13,6±2,3 e 14,8±1,8 meses, respectivamente, e IDPPRE de 18,1±1,9. Aos 16 meses de idade, o grupo apresentou 91,4 por cento, 82,6 por cento e 73,9 por cento dos animais com ISEM1, ISEM2 e IDPUB manifestada, respectivamente. Observou-se correlação positiva entre idade dos touros e as características de crescimento corporal, testicular, aspectos físicos dos ejaculados e correlação negativa entre a idade dos touros e os defeitos espermáticos. Observou-se correlação negativa entre a idade dos touros e a pontuação para circunferência escrotal no ICAP à puberdade (-0,77; P<0,001). Touros da raça Nelore, criados a pastos, manifestaram a puberdade precocemente antes dos 15 meses de idade. Houve um período de 51 dias desde o aparecimento dos espermatozóides no ejaculado, até a puberdade seminal. A puberdade foi mais precoce nos touros jovens com maiores testículos.

Twenty three 10-months-old Nellore bulls, raised under pasture conditions in Brazil, were used to study puberty. Monthly measurement of scrotal circumference and testicular width and length were recorded. Semen was collected by eletroejaculation and evaluated according to physical and morphological aspects. Penile and prepuce detachment percentages were also evaluated. The ages of the presence of first spermatozoa in the ejaculate (ISEM1), first motile spermatozoa in the ejaculate (ISEM2), seminal puberty (IDPUB) and detachment between penile and prepuce (IDPPRE) were calculated. Scores of breeding soundness were measured. ISEM1, ISEM2, IDPUB and IDPPRE were 13.1±2.2, 13.6±2.3, 14.8±1.8 and 18.1±1.9 months, respectively. At 16 months of age, the animals presented 91.4 percent, 82.6 percent and 73.9 percent with ISEM1, ISEM2 and IDPUB reached, respectively. High positive correlation were observed between age and corporal and testicular growth or seminal physical aspects. Negative correlation was verified between age and spermatic defects. High negative correlation was observed between age and score of scrotal circumference at puberty (-0.7;7 P<0.001). Precocious puberty was observed before 15 months of age. From ISEM1 to IDPUB, 51 days were elapsed. Young bulls with larger testicles reached puberty earlier.

Pre-administration of angiopoietin-1 followed by VEGF induces functional and mature vascular formation in a rabbit ischemic model.

BACKGROUND: Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play important roles in vascular formation and maturation, suggesting that the combination of these two would be a promising therapy for ischemia. However, it remains unclear what the best schedule of administration of these cytokines might be. METHODS: Six experimental groups were used to prepare the rabbit ischemic hindlimb model following naked plasmid intramuscular administration as follows: empty vector (C), single gene (Ang1, A; VEGF, V), Ang-1 followed by VEGF (A - V), co-administration of Ang1 and VEGF (A + V), and VEGF followed by Ang1 (V - A). RESULTS: Thirty days after gene administration, A - V showed a significantly increased blood pressure and blood-flow recovery in the ischemic limb compared with the control group. Histological findings by alpha-smooth muscle-actin (alpha-SMA) staining revealed that the two combination groups had more mature vessels as compared with the control group. Significantly, A - V revealed the highest density of alpha-SMA-positive vessels compared with VEGF alone or Ang1 alone. Angiographic assessment revealed that A - V had a greater increased arterial diameter compared with VEGF alone. Edema, one of the major adverse effects induced by VEGF, was not found in A - V throughout the experiments, while VEGF alone and V - A showed severe edema induced by VEGF. CONCLUSIONS: The pre-administration of Ang1 followed by VEGF resulted in an improvement of hemodynamic status, an increased number of vessels covered with alpha-actin-positive mural cells, and prevention of VEGF-mediated edema. Thus, priming by Ang1 gene administration would be beneficial for therapeutic angiogenesis in VEGF gene therapy.

Great balls of fire and the vicious cycle: a study of the effects of cycling on male fertility.

Over the past few years we have been bombarded with publicity telling us to do more exercise in order to reduce our risk of developing heart disease. Also, as commuter traffic increases and petrol prices rise, workers are constantly looking for quicker, cheaper and greener ways of travelling short distances. As a result of this, bicycle sales have risen exponentially. However, as the popularity of cycling increases, so do the fears that spending hours in the saddle every day may not be as beneficial as first thought. For many years now reports in the literature have suggested that exercise in general, and cycling specifically, may actually increase an individual's risk of developing problems in the male reproductive system. In this report I will review the evidence available in the literature, paying special attention to cycling and the risks of developing testicular cancer, secondary impotence and, most importantly, the effects on male fertility.