Protective effect of Qilin Pills on the reproductive function of oligoasthenospermia rats / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To study the protective effect of Qilin Pills (QLP) on the reproductive function of rats with oligoasthenospermia (OAS) induced by tripterygium glycosides.@*METHODS@#Twenty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control, an OAS model control, a low-dose QLP, and a high-dose QLP group of equal number. OAS models were made in the latter three groups by intragastrical administration of tripterygium glycosides at 40 mg per kg of the body weight per day, and meanwhile the animals in the low- and high-dose QLP groups were treated with QLP at 1.62 and 3.24 g per kg of the body weight per day, respectively, while those in the OAS model group with normal saline, all for 30 consecutive days. Then all the rats were executed for obtaining the testis weight, testis viscera index, epididymal sperm concentration and motility, reproductive hormone levels, and antioxidation indexes and observation of the histomorphological changes of the testis tissue by HE staining.@*RESULTS@#After 30 days of intervention, the low- and high-dose QLP groups, as compared with the OAS model controls, showed significantly improved epididymal sperm concentration (［14.57 ± 3.95］ and ［39.71 ± 11.31］ vs ［4.71 ± 1.25］ ×10⁶/ml, P <0.05) and motility (［3.71 ± 1.11］ and ［4.29 ± 1.80］ vs ［0.57 ± 0.53］%, P <0.05), increased levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (［94.83 ± 11.17］ and ［88.05 ± 9.21］ vs ［56.74 ± 8.29］ nmol/L, P <0.05) and free testosterone (FT) (［27.27 ± 3.63］ and ［32.80 ± 2.51］ vs ［22.81 ± 2.75］ nmol/L, P <0.05), decreased level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (［1.49 ± 0.62］ and ［1.12 ± 0.83］ vs ［1.71 ± 0.52］ mIU/ml, P <0.05), but no significant change in the total testosterone (TT) level. Meanwhile, the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was markedly elevated in the low- and high-dose QLP groups in comparison with the OAS model control group (［277.14 ± 15.84］ and ［299.60 ± 20.83］ vs ［250.04 ± 31.06］ U/ml, P <0.05) while that of reactive oxygen species (ROS) remarkably reduced (［397.61 ± 62.71］ and ［376.84 ± 67.14］ vs ［552.20 ± 58.07］ IU/ml, P <0.05). HE staining showed that QLP intervention significantly increased the layers and quantity of spermatogenic cells in the testicular seminiferous tubules of the OAS rats.@*CONCLUSIONS@#QLP can effectively protect the reproductive system of oligoasthenospermia rats by raising sperm quality, elevating reproductive hormone levels, reducing oxidative stress injury, and improving histomorphology of the testis.

Serum homocysteine and metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly men / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship among serum reproductive hormone levels, serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels, metabolic syndrome (MS), and the components of MS in middle-aged and elderly males.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using the cluster and stratified sampling methods and a unified structured questionnaire, we conducted a survey among 948 men aged 40 - 80 years in the rural community, measured their basic physical parameters, and obtained their reproductive hormone levels, serum Hcy concentrations, and metabolism-related indicators. We collected 868 valid questionnaires along with their serum samples, divided the subjects into an MS and a non-MS control group in a 1:1 ratio, and measured their serum Hcy concentrations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the subjects included, 132 were diagnosed with MS. Nonparametric tests showed statistically significant differences between the MS and non-MS groups in the waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P < 0.05), but not in age (P > 0.05). Significant differences were also observed between the two groups in the levels of serum tT, SHBG, LH, and FTI (P < 0.05) , but not in the concentrations of serum Hcy (P > 0.05). The concentration of serum Hcy exhibited no correlation with BMI, SBP, DBP, FBG, TG, and HDL-C (P > 0.05) and had no influence on MS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The concentration of serum Hcy is not significantly correlated with MS, nor with its components. The levels of male serum reproductive hormones are associated both with MS and with its components.</p>

Semen analysis training and its evaluation / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish the methods for training green-hand laboratorians in standard semen analysis and evaluating the training results, and afford some reference for internal quality control and training in andrology laboratories in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We trained the green-hand technicians in standard semen analysis recommended by WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen (5th ed), and evaluated the training results by assessing the trainees' performance in the examination of sperm concentration and motility by statistic analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After training, the coefficients of variation of the semen samples with high, middle and low sperm concentration achieved by the trainees were 7.72% and 3.38% and 4.49%, and those with high, middle and high motility were 7.82%, 8.09% and 6.62%, respectively. We used Bland-Altman's method to evaluate the consistency between the results obtained by the trainees and those by the trainers. For sperm concentration, 4.77% of the datum points were out of the 95% consistency interval, and the absolute value of the biggest difference between the trainees and trainers was 8 x 10(6)/ml within the 95% consistency interval. For sperm motility, 7.15% of the data points were out of the 95% consistency interval, and the absolute value of the biggest difference between the trainees and trainers was 10% within the 95% consistency interval. Two-way analysis of variance showed no significant differences in the results of sperm concentration and motility analyses between the trainees and trainers (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Training in standard semen analysis significantly improved the precision of semen analysis among the green-hand laboratorians. The training and assessment methods we established proved to be effective and feasible.</p>

Serum testosterone reduction and metabolism in aging male rats: correlation and mechanism / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the mechanism of serum testosterone reduction, its relationship with metabolism, changes in the number and morphology of Leydig cells and endocrine function in aging male rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The levels of serum total testosterone (tT), LH, FSH, HDL, LDL, TG, TC, Glu, INS, IRG and LP were determined in young (9 mo) and aging rats (12, 15, 18 and 21 mo), with 6 in each group. The morphological changes of Leydig cells were observed under the microscope. The concentrations of testosterone secreted from the cultured Leydig cells with the stimulation of hCG and Forskolin were assayed. The apoptosis rates of Leydig cells were detected by TUNEL. The visceral fat was isolated and weighed, and the Lee's index calculated. All the above indexes were recorded and compared among different age groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The aging rats showed a significant decrease in the levels of serum tT and TSI ([1.26 +/- 0.65] ng/ml and [0.07 +/- 0.65] ng/mIU) as compared with the young rats ([3.24 +/- 0.38] ng/ml and [0.21 +/- 0.01] ng/mIU) (P < 0.01). Obvious differences were found in the morphology of Leydig cells among different age groups. The T secretion of Leydig cells at 24, 48 and 72 h in aging rats was markedly decreased (P < 0.05) while their TUNEL positive rate remarkably increased in the aging rats (17.36% +/- 1.31%) compared with the young ones (7.02% +/- 1.05%) (P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the young and aging rats in all the biochemical parameters including IRG, HDL, LDL, TG, TC and visceral fat content (P < 0.05), except the levels of serum Glu, INS and LP (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The serum T level and secreting capacity of Leydig cells are significantly lower in aging rats than in young ones, and the metabolic parameters undergo regular changes with the decreasing level of serum T. The reduction of testosterone in aging male rats may be associated with the decreased secreting capacity and number of Leydig cells and declined function of the pituitary.</p>

Effects of abnormal structure of sperm chromatin on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of sperm chromatin structure abnormalities on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin packaging defects were assessed in 136 couples undergoing IVF-ET because of infertility. The relationship between sperm DNA fragmentation, chromatin packaging defects and fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy was evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin packaging defect had a negative correlation with fertilization rate (r=-0.198, P<0.05, and r=-0.389, P<0.01, respectively). Both parameters were higher in couples who failed to achieve pregnancy than those who achieved clinical pregnancy (10.74% vs. 5.40%, P<0.01 and 23.58% vs. 11.83%, P<0.01, respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Abnormality of sperm chromatin structure is one of the reasons for IVF-ET failure. Examination of sperm chromatin structure is helpful in predicting the risk of IVF-ET failure and optimizing treatment of infertility.</p>

Clinical validation of screening scales for late onset of hypogonadism in Chinese males / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the incidence of late onset of hypogonadism (LOH) in males as well as the sensitivity, specificity and applicability of the androgen deficiency in aging males (ADAM) questionnaire and the aging males' symptoms (AMS) scale in Chinese males based on the community population data.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 1 498 old and middle-aged healthy males attended the ADAM and AMS investigations, of whom 434 received the measurement of the concentration of serum reproductive hormones, the positive rate of LOH screening, the rate of androgen deficiency, the clinical incidence of LOH, and the sensitivity and specificity of ADAM and AMS by tT and fT cut-off. The symptom evaluation cut-off value of the AMS score was optimized using the ROC curve.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Although 5 of the subjects had previously received irregular testosterone supplement, none of them was given or actively sought for androgen therapy at the time of the investigation. Among the 40 - 69 years old males, the mean positive rates of LOH screening by ADAM and AMS were 80.77% and 32.34%, and the mean androgen deficiency rates obtained by tT and fT cut-off were 14.02% and 43.69%. The mean clinical incidences of LOH in the ADMA- and AMS-positive subjects were 37.85% and 15.42%. According to the fT cut-off, the sensitivities of ADAM and AMS were 86.63% and 35.29%, and their specificities were 24.48% and 63.49%, respectively. The symptom evaluation cut-off value of the AMS score optimized by the ROC curve was 19.5.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The sensitivity and specificity of ADAM and AMS in the Chinese population are basically consistent with the results of most studies abroad, while the positive rate of LOH screening, the rate of androgen deficiency and the clinical incidence of LOH obviously higher in the former than those reported in other studies. Both ADAM and AMS are applicable to the Chinese population. The former is advantageous for its high sensitivity, time saving and easy operation, and therefore suitable for screening LOH, while the latter can be used for monitoring therapeutic efficacy.</p>

Changes of serum reproductive hormones with aging among healthy males in a community population of Hebei Province / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes of serum reproductive hormones with male aging and to compare the differences in the hormone levels among different age groups or between township and rural males of the same age group.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using cluster and stratified sampling, we recruited 434 healthy old and middle-aged (40-69 years) males, 198 from the township and 236 from the rural communities. We determined the concentrations of serum total testosterone (tT), luteinizing hormone (LH) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), free testosterone (fT), bio-available testosterone (Bio-T), and obtained the testosterone secretion index (TSI) and free testosterone index (fTI). Meanwhile, we included fifty-nine 20-39 years old males from the same communities in a control group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With the increase of age, the serum tT levels did not change significantly, while the levels of serum LH and SHBG increased, and those of fT, Bio-T, TSI and fTI decreased gradually. Statistically significant differences were found among the four different age groups in all the parameters of reproductive hormones (P < 0.01), except in the serum tT level (P > 0.05). The serum tT level was not significantly correlated with aging and LH (P > 0.05). Serum LH and SHBG had a marked positive correlation with aging, and SHBG with LH (P < 0.01), while fT, Bio-T, TSI and fTI were negatively correlated with aging and the LH level (P < 0.01). Serum LH, TSI and fTI showed statistical differences (P < 0.05), while fT and Bio-T exhibited extremely significant differences (P < 0.01) between the township and rural males in the 40 -49 yr group, and in the same age group, the increase rates of serum LH and SHBG and reduction rates of fT, Bio-T, TSI and fTI were higher in the rural men than in the township residents. However, the results were just the opposite in the 50 - 59 and 60 - 69 yr groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The levels of serum LH, SHBG, fT, Bio-T, TSI and fTI changed with aging in a gradientmanner in the old and middle-aged males, but no significant changes were observed in the level of serum tT. There were statistical differences in many parameters of serum reproductive hormones among different age groups or between township and rural males.</p>

Changes of semen parameters in Chinese fertile men in the past 25 years / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the changes of seminal parameters in Chinese fertile men during the past 25 years.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We collected semen samples from 5,834 fertile men in 14 different provinces (including Beijing) between 1980 and 2005 and retrospectively studied their seminal parameters, abstinence durations and total testis volumes by meta-analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the first 15 years, a significant decrease was observed in both sperm density and total number of sperm per ejaculate in the semen samples collected between 1996-2000 (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05), but not obvious in those between 1996-2000 and after 2005 (P > 0.05). As for sperm motility, no time-related changes were noted (P > 0.05) except a reduction with the increase of age.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There was a decline in sperm density and total number of sperm per ejaculate in Chinese fertile men over the past 25 years, although not significant in the latter 10 years since 1996, but with no time-related changes in sperm motility.</p>

Effect of (CAG) n polymorphism of androgen receptor gene on hormonal male contraception / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study (CAG) n polymorphism of the androgen receptor (AR) gene in responders and non-responders of male volunteers who received testosterone undecanoate intramuscular injection for contraception and to explore the effect of the polymorphism on hormonal male contraception.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-nine non-responders and 34 responders were enrolled in this study as a test and a control group respectively. The numbers of CAG sequence repeats were determined by PCR and DNA sequencing, and the effect of (CAG) n polymorphism on hormonal male contraception was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The means of CAG repeats of the test and the control group were 23.62 and 22.97, with no significant difference in between (P > 0.05). The short CAG repeats (n < or = 22) constituted 51.7% in the test group and 50% in the control, while the long ones (n > 22) accounted for 48.3% and 50% , respectively. The short and the long group had a similar distribution. No association was found between CAG repeats and sperm concentration. With FSH > 0.2 IU/L, the probability of azoospermia in the long CAG repeat group was 1.5 times that of the short one.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CAG repeats in the AR gene presented polymorphism in the subjects, with no significant difference between the responders and non-responders. Further investigation has yet to be performed into the relationship of hormonal male contraception with CAG repeats or other factors.</p>

The relationship between changes of serum antisperm antibodies before and post vasovasostomy and pregnancy rate / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes and variation of serum antisperm antibodies (AsAb) from the men who received vasovasostomy 2 years after one of three methods of male sterilization, and evaluate the relationship between serum AsAb and pregnancy rate.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sperm reappearance, serum AsAb and pregnancy rate were investigated in 88 subjects who underwent reversal operation 2 years after one of three methods of male sterilization at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post vasovasostomy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no significant difference in positive rate of AsAb among groups of vasovasostomized men post one of three methods of sterilization, and between groups before and post vasovasostomy and between groups with and without sperm reappearance, respectively. The positive rate, intensity (percentage of motile sperm coated with beads) and type of serum AsAb had no influences on pregnancy. No significant difference was observed in positive rate of AsAb between pregnant group and non-pregnant group. The pregnancy rate of the group in which sperm concentration was more than 20 x 10(6)/ml was apparently higher than that of the group in which sperm concentration was less than 20 x 10(6)/ml.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The serum AsAb and their positive rate can not be eliminated or decreased by vasovasostomy post male sterilization. The serum AsAb has no influence on pregnancy. There is a close relationship between sperm quality and pregnancy post vasovasostomy.</p>