HPV infection of the external genitalia in men whose female partners have cervical HPV infection / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a necessary cause of cervical cancer and is also closely related to penile cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and anal cancer in males. However, few studies are reported on male HPV. This study aimed to investigate HPV infection of the external genitalia in men whose female partners have cervical HPV infection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We collected the relevant data on the male outpatients whose partners had cervical HPV infection in our Department of Urology and Andrology from August to December 2016. We obtained samples with nylon swabs from the glans penis, corona, inner layer of the prepuce and penile body and detected different types of HPV infection using the Hybribio HPV typing kit, PCR and membrane hybridization.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Valid data were collected from 140 males, which showed 83.5% of HPV infection of the external genitalia, including 60 cases of HPV6 (43.2%), 27 cases of HPV16 (19.4%), 14 cases of HPV39 (10.1%), 13 cases of HPV18 (9.4%), 13 cases of HPV58 (9.4%), and 13 cases of HPV52 (9.4%). Redundant prepuce was found in 75.5% of the males, but there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of HPV infection between the normal and redundant prepuce groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Men who have the female partners with positive cervical HPV are at high risk of HPV infection and therefore need to be screened and treated so as to reduce HPV infection in both sexes.</p>

Relationship of abnormal sperm DNA methylation with early spontaneous abortion / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the relationship between the abnormal sperm DNA methylation level and early spontaneous abortion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We randomly selected 98 males who met the inclusion criteria and whose wives suffered from unexplained abortion or embryo abortion, and included another 46 normal healthy men present for pre-pregnancy check-up as controls. We examined the semen quality and sperm morphology, obtained the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) by modified sperm chromatin dispersion, and measured the sperm DNA methylation level using the methylated DNA quantification kit and the colorimetric method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal controls, the men in the unexplained abortion group showed a significantly lower rate of big-halo sperm (［45.50 ± 26.27］ vs ［36.49 ± 23.06］%, P = 0.038), a higher rate of abnormal-head sperm (［77.08± 12.21］ vs ［81.09± 10.89］%, P = 0.049), and a lower level of sperm DNA methylation (［0.47 ± 0.33］ vs ［0.36 ± 0.26］ ng/μl, P = 0.035). The sperm DNA methylation level was positively correlated with the percentage of big-halo sperm (OR=0.546, P<0.01). Multivariate regression analysis manifested that sperm head abnormality was an independent risk factor of early spontaneous abortion or embryo abortion (OR=1.032, P = 0.049), while the high methylation level was protective factor against early spontaneous abortion or embryo abortion (OR=0.244, P = 0.03).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The abnormal level of sperm DNA methylation may be one of the important reasons for early spontaneous abortion or embryo abortion.</p>

Semen quality and its influencing factors in preconception males in Nanjing area / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the semen quality and its influencing factors in preconception males in Nanjing area so as to provide some evidence for working out effective intervention measures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 687 men receiving preconceptional physical examination were enrolled in this study. A questionnaire survey was conducted among the subjects along with an analysis of their semen quality.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The median of sperm concentration was 63.3 x 10(6)/ml (95% CI [19.88-119] x 10(6)/ml). The median of grade a sperm was 33.03% (95% CI [19.38-55.05]%), that of grade a + b sperm was 52.08% (95% CI [39.53-69.37]%), and that of teratosperm was 91.75% (95% CI [69-100]%). The median concentration of seminal plasma PMN-elastase was 195.55 ng/ml (95% CI [76.16-3330.38] ng/ml) and that of seminal plasma zinc was 7.62 μmol/L (95% CI [1.5-23, 45] μmol/L). The positive rates of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) were 42.4%, 0.3%, and 2.4%, respectively. The median of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of those whose wives had a history of adverse pregnancy was 20.25% (95% CI [2.15-68.25]%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that mental stress (OR 1.567, 95% CI [1.081-2.27]) and sedentariness (OR 1.772, 95% CI [1.211-2.592]) were independent risk factors for asthenospermia.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The sperm quality of preconception males in Nanjing area is not encouraging, and it can be improved by changing undesirable lifestyle and reducing mental stress.</p>

Relationship between epigenetics of sperm and embryogenesis / 中华男科学杂志

Epigenetics comprises the modifications made in gene expressions without changing the DNA sequence itself. Significant epigenetic changes take place during spermatogenesis and fertilization and exert direct influences on embryogenesis. This article provides an overview of the latest researches on epigenetics of male germ cells and a brief discussion on the correlation of sperm with embryogenesis in four aspects: DNA methylation, histone modification, regulation of non-coding RNAs, and genomic imprinting.

Seminal parameters at different times of reanalysis of the normal semen samples detected in initial examination and their correlation with sperm DNA damage / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the differences in semen quality at different times of reanalysis and the correlation of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) with sperm motility alteration using semen samples completely liquefied and normal in initial examination.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We analyzed 127 semen samples up to the inclusion criteria with the computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system at 15, 30 and 60 min after semen collection, and obtained sperm morphology parameters and DFI by Shorr staining and acridine orange test (AOT) , respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Sperm concentration, and the percentages of grades a and b sperm showed no statistically significant differences at the three time points (P > 0.05). The percentages of grades a + b and a + b + c sperm were significantly higher at 15 min than at 30 and 60 min after semen collection (P < 0.05), but with no significant difference between the latter two time points (P > 0.05). The incidence of alternation from normal to abnormal in at least one index of sperm motility at different times was 25.2%, but there were no significant differences in sperm DFI and morphology between the normal and abnormal groups (P > 0.05). Among the altered parameters of sperm motility from 15 to 60 min, the percentages of grades a, a + b and a + b + c sperm were all positively correlated with sperm DFI (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Semen samples completely liquefied within 15 min after collection and normal in initial examination, when reanalyzed at 30 and 60 min, showed significant decreases in the percentages of grades a + b and a + b + c sperm, but not in the percentages of grades a and b sperm, and the parameters of sperm motility might be abnormal. Thus, at least 2 sperm analyses are required for a comprehensive evaluation of fertility. Significant difference between the results of the two analyses, and particularly a markedly reduced percentage of rapidly progressive sperm, might indicate sperm DNA damage, and thus the necessity of sperm DNA damage detection.</p>

Protective effect of pAdxsi-ERbeta adenovirus transfection on penile vascular endothelium in ERbetaKO mice / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of the overexpression of the ERbeta gene on the penile vascular endothelium of ERbeta knockout (ERbetaKO) mice and its molecular mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We randomly divided 12 ERbetaKO male mice into groups A (ERbetaKO + TNFalpha + pAdxsi-ERbeta) and B (ERbetaKO + TNFalpha + empty virus), the former treated by pAdxsi-ERbeta adenovirus transfection, the latter with empty virus, and meanwhile both injected intraperitoneally with TNFalpha at 6 microg per kg body weight per d for 14 days. Then we observed the erectile function of the mice by APO, determined the changes of the endothelial markers CD34 and vWF by immunohistochemical staining, and detected the expressions of the relevant molecules in the eNOS-NO pathway by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with group B, group A showed a significantly increased number of penile erections (0.50 +/- 0.55 vs 2.17 +/- 0.41, P < 0.05), shortened erectile latency ([28.83 +/- 1.33] min vs [24.00 +/- 1.27] min, P < 0.05), enriched CD34 and vWF markers (0.67 +/- 0.52 vs 1.50 +/- 0.55 and 0.50 +/- 0.55 vs 1.33 +/- 0.52, both P < 0.05), elevated expressions of eNOS and Cam (RT-PCR: 1.38 +/- 0.03 vs 1.62 +/- 0.05 and 1.02 +/- 0.09 vs 1.42 +/- 0.05, both P < 0.05; Western blot: 1.27 +/- 0.04 vs 1.55 +/- 0.07 and 0.76 +/- 0.05 vs 0.95 +/- 0.08, both P < 0.05), and reduced expression of caveolin-1 (RT-PCR: 2.13 +/- 0.13 vs 1.72 +/- 0.08, P < 0.05; Western blot: 3.99 +/- 0.16 vs 3.40 +/- 0.14, P < 0.05). The results of RT-PCR were consistent with those of Western blot.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The ERbeta gene protects the penile vascular endothelium via the eNOS-NO pathway.</p>

Treatment of varicocele by microsurgical varicocelectomy: report of 94 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical effect of microsurgical varicocelectomy in the treatment of varicocele.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 94 varicocele patients treated by microsurgical varicocelectomy, of whom 36 complained of testicular pain or dragging and distending discomfort, and 58 infertility or oligoasthenospermia. Microsurgical varicocelectomy was performed through inguinal or subinguinal approach. Complications were observed and semen parameters detected through follow-up visits at 1, 3 and 6 months after the operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Testicular pain or discomfort disappeared in 21 (65.6%) of the 32 followed-up patients who had complained of such symptoms, was relieved in 6 (18.8%), and remained unimproved in the other 5 (15.6%). The 56 followed-up patients with infertility or oligoasthenospermia all showed significantly improved sperm concentration and motility (grade a + b sperm), (15.47 +/- 3.21) x 10(6)/ml and (13.34 +/- 5.16)% at 3 months, and (18.39 +/- 4.05) x 10(6)/ml and (17.23 +/- 4.69)% at 6 months after operation, as compared with (8.26 +/- 1.68) x 10(6)/ml and (5.25 +/- 1.09)% preoperatively (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Microsurgical varicocelectomy can effectively improve symptoms and semen parameters in varicocele patients.</p>

Human papillomavirus infection correlates with redundant prepuce or phimosis in the patients'sexual partners in Nanjing urban area / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women and its correlation with redundant prepuce or phimosis in the patients' sexual partners.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We conducted a questionnaire investigation among the women outpatients at the cervical disease clinic of Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Hospital from May to December 2011. We obtained information on their sexual life and determined whether their sexual partners had redundant prepuce or phimosis according to the schematic illustrations we offered. We used biology-hybridize HPV-type test kit, PCR and hybrid membrane methods for detection of different HPV genotypes in cervical exfoliated cells, taking any type of HPV detected as positive. We made between-group comparisons by chi-square test and analyzed independent risk factors by non-conditional logistic regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 2 040 questionnaires, 1 568 were collected and 1 110 (71%) accepted as valid by inclusion criteria. Among the 1 110 subjects, 566 (50.9%) were infected with HPV, and 445 (78.6%) of the infected women admitted that their sexual partners had redundant prepuce or phimosis. The most frequent infection type was HPV16 (34.2%), followed by HPV58 (28.1%), HPV52 (20.2%) and HPV18 (10.8%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that redundant prepuce or phimosis in the women's sexual partners was an independent risk factor for HPV infection (OR 3.387, 95%CI [2.491-4.607]).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In Nanjing urban area, the majority of the sexual partners of the HPV-infected women have redundant prepuce or phimosis, which is an independent risk factor for female cervical HPV infection. Male circumcision is necessitated in Nanjing to reduce the incidence of cervical HPV infection.</p>

Protective effect of ERbeta on penile vascular endothelium in mice / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effect of ERbeta on the penile vascular endothelium in mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We randomly selected 12 ERbeta knockout (ERbetaKO) and 12 C57BL/6 male mice, and divided them into four groups: normal control, ERbetaKO, ERbetaKO + TNFalpha, and wild-type + TNFalpha group. The former two were treated with normal saline, while the latter two by intraperitoneal injection of TNFalpha at 6 microg/(kg x d) for 14 days. Then we observed the spontaneous erectile response induced by APO and changes of the endothelial cells by immunohistochemical staining of CD34 and vWF, and detected cell apoptosis in the penile cavernous tissue by TUNEL.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal control group, the ERbetaKO group showed significantly increased erectile latency (P<0.05), but no significant difference in the number of erections; the ERbetaKO + TNFalpha and wild-type + TNFalpha groups, too, exhibited remarkably longer erectile latency (P<0.05) but fewer erections (P<0.05), with even more obvious changes in the ERbetaKO + TNFalpha group. The expressions of CD34 and vWF were significantly reduced in the ERbetaKO group (2.25 +/- 0.50 and 2.00 +/- 0.00), ERbetaKO + TNFalpha group (0.25 +/- 0.50 and 0.33 +/- 0.58) and wild-type + TNFalpha group (1.50 +/- 0.58 and 1.25 +/- 0.50) as compared with those in the control (3.00 +/- 0.00 and 2.75 +/- 0.50) (P<0.05), even lower in the ERbetaKO + TNFalpha than in the wild-type + TNFalpha group (P<0.05). Apoptotic cells were found only in the ERbetaKO + TNFalpha group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>After ERbeta knockout and especially after treated with the endothelial injury factor TNFalpha, endothelial cells are decreased in the penile vessels in mice, which suggests that ERbeta has a protective effect on the penile cavernous sinus endothelium.</p>

Endothelial injury and erectile dysfunction / 中华男科学杂志

The endothelium plays an important role in maintaining vascular homeostasis, regulating vascular tone and blood flow, and preserving a non-thrombogenic blood-tissue interface, and the normal function of the vascular endothelium is essential for penile erection. In most cases, erectile dysfunction (ED) is accompanied by endothelial dysfunction, and endothelial injury is a major pathological basis of ED, which can be induced by bad lifestyles, cardiovascular diseases, reactive oxygen species, and inflammatory mediators. The vascular endothelium is capable of self-repairing, and endothelial injury results from the unbalanced factors of injury and repair. This review focuses on the mechanism and repair of endothelial injury and the relationship of endothelial injury with ED.

An investigation on female sexual dysfunction among urban Chinese women in Nanjing / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a common problem affecting women's quality of life. However, reports are rarely seen on sexual problems in Chinese women. This study is to investigate the prevalence of FSD among urban Chinese women in Nanjing and offer some evidence for the establishment of preventative measures for FSD in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional hospital-based survey was conducted in Nanjing, China between August 2008 and March 2009. The sexual function of 609 women aged 20 -56 years from the urban area of Nanjing were investigated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The total FSFI score of < 25 was used as the diagnostic criterion for FSD.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total FSFI score was 24.21 +/- 4.40 in this group of women, and it decreased with the increase of age. The overall prevalence of FSD was 56.8%, and it increased with the increase of age, 47.1%, 57.0%, 75.0% and 90.3% in the < 29 yr, 30 - 39 yr, 40 - 49 yr and > or = 50 yr groups, respectively. The most common problems were low sexual satisfaction (43.2%) and orgasm disorder (41.7%), followed by sexual pain (40.2%), hyposexuality (35.1%), vaginal dryness (31.4%) and sexual arousal disorder (29.6%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>FSD is a common problem among urban Chinese women in Nanjing, and the most common sexual problems are low sexual satisfaction and orgasm disorder.</p>

Multivariate analysis of dyspareunia in women / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Dyspareunia is a common sexual trouble in women during the sexual intercourse. This study is to investigate the risk factors for dyspareunia in urban Chinese women and to supply some evidence for its preventive measures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We conducted a hospital-based survey by distributing 2 658 copies of a questionnaire among the women in Nanjing urban area who came for regular physical examination in Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Hospital and their female companions aged over 20 years. The sexual function of the subjects was evaluated according to female sexual function indexes, dyspareunia indicated by sexual pain score < 4.4, and the results analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally, 1 856 (69.8%) of the subjects completed the questionnaire, and 1 457 that met the criteria were included for analysis, of whom 43.0% (626/1457) admitted to dyspareunia during the sexual intercourse. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age (> or = 50 years) , smoking, hysterectomy, vaginal lubrication disorder, lack of sexual communication with partners were independent risk factors for dyspareunia (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Dyspareunia is associated with multiple factors including age (> or = 50 years), smoking, hysterectomy, vaginal lubrication disorder, lack of sexual communication with partners.</p>

Male factors in repeated spontaneous abortion / 中华男科学杂志

Repeated spontaneous abortion (RSA), with very complicated pathogenesis, has an incidence of about 0.5% 2.0%. As for the paternal part which provides half of the genes for the embryo, current studies mainly focus on the genes of somatic cells or germ cells. Chromosome abnormality of somatic cells, chromosome disorder of sperm, defects in sperm quality, genetic mutation, senility, infection and any other paternal gene abnormalities that affect the embryo would induce RSA. This paper presents an update on the above mentioned paternal factors which might result in RSA.

Evaluation of sperm mitochondrial membrane potential in varicocele patients using JC-1 fluorescent staining / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of varicocele patients and investigate its clinical significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-seven varicocele patients were divided into a VC1 (grade 1, n = 26), a VC2 (grade 2, n = 21) and a VC3 group (grade 3, n = 20). And 29 normal fertile volunteers were included in a control group ( m = 29). Conventional semen analyses were performed by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Semen samples were washed, followed by JC-1 staining to evaluate the sperm MMP (JC-1+ %) by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The sperm MMPs of the VC1, VC2 and VC3 groups were siginificantly lower ([56.29 +/- 16.32]%, P < 0.05; [45.04 +/- 13.21]%, P < 0.01; [31.63 +/- 12.91]%, P < 0.01) than that of the control ([76.21 +/- 13. 96]%). There was a significant positive correlation between the percentage of JC-1+ and that of grade (a + b) sperm (r =0.693, P=0.000).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The decreased MMP in the sperm of varicocele men might be one of the important causes of male infertility.</p>

Determination of uric acid in the expressed prostatic secretion of chronic prostatitis patients and its clinical significance / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the level of uric acid (UA) in the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) of chronic prostatitis patients and explore its clinical significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 91 patients with chronic prostatitis diagnosed by NIH standard were divided into a III A (n = 48) and a III B (n = 43) group, and healthy volunteers were selected as the control. The scores on the NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) and the WBC count, pH value and UA level in EPS were evaluated for all the three groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The EPS UA concentration was (257.02 +/- 144.84) micromol/L in Group III B, significantly higher than in Group III A, (159. 73 +/- 121.49) micromol/L, (P < 0.01), and the control, (78.55 +/- 44.53) micromol/L, (P < 0.01). The level of EPS UA was correlated negatively with pH value (r = -0.398, P = 0.000), but positively with CPSI-P, CPSI-U and CPSI-T (r = 0.436, 0.316 and 0.403, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Backflow of urine into prostatic ducts might cause chemical inflammation reaction by increasing UA concentration. There is a close relationship between the UA level in EPS and chronic prostatitis symptoms. Determination of the UA level in EPS is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic prostatitis.</p>

High-dose daidzein affects growth and development of reproductive organs in male rats / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of the phytoestrogen daidzein on the growth and development of the testis and epididymis in male SD rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty 10-week old (early adult) and 30 4-week old (pubertal) male SD rats were included in the study, each age group equally divided into 5 subgroups: normal control, positive control, low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose. The normal and positive control groups were given 1 ml distilled water and the same amount of distilled water containing diethylstilbestrol (DES) at the dose of 0.1 mg/kg, and the low-, medium- and high-dose groups administered daidzein in the dose of 2mg/kg, 20 mg/ kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively, all by gavage for 90 days. Observations were made on the changes in body weight and testicular and epididymal indexes, as well as on the structural changes of the testis and epididymis by H&E staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The early adult rats showed no significant differences in body weight and testicular and epididymal indexes between the claiclzein groups and the control (P > 0.05), nor did the pubertal rats in epididymal index (P > 0.05). The testicular index differed significantly between the high-dose group (3.21 +/- 0.07) and the normal control (3.71 +/- 0.45) (P < 0.05). The body weight reduced markedly in the high-dose group (P < 0.05), but with no significant differences between the normal control and the other two dose groups (P > 0.05). No obvious changes were observed in epididymal morphology in all the daidzein groups of the early adult and pubertal rats, but high-dose daidzein resulted in smaller testes and impaired spermatogenesis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The phytoestrogen daidzein, administered in a high dose, could delay the growth and development of the testis and induce structural changes of testicular tissues in pubertal SD rats.</p>

Successive "Z" incision and skin flaps: a better procedure for penile lengthening / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To recommend the successive "Z" incision and skin flaps as a method for repairing the wound in penile lengthening procedures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We performed penile lengthening surgery by successive "Z" incision for 5 patients complaining of short penis, who ranged in age from 16 to 34 years (22.4 +/- 7.2), and 3 of whom had a history of urethroplasty, circumcision and penile reconstruction, respectively. The superficial suspensory ligament and part of the deep suspensory ligament of the penis were exposed and severed to release the penis, and the "Z" skin flaps sutured in a tensionless state. Drainage was necessitated by exudation and the catheter removed in 24-48 hours. The penis was wrapped up by an elastic bandage, and the stitches taken out 8-10 days after the operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We achieved a mean erectile length of 8.4 cm (range 7.8-9.2 cm) after the operation, as compared with 4. 8 cm (range 4.0-5.8 cm) before the surgery. Two students of the patients obviously became active and confident. No penile contraction was noted during the 12-48 months follow-up, and both the patients and their family members were satisfied with the outcomes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compared with the V-, M- and Z-incision, the successive "Z" incision and skin flaps can yield longer penile length, solve the problem of insufficient skin flap to cover the wound and reduce such complications as skin necrosis and infection. It is well worth recommending for patients complaining of short penis because of penile abnormality, post-operation scar on the penis or circumcision.</p>

Evaluation of sperm mitochondrial membrane potential by JC-1 fluorescent staining and flow cytometry / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility and clinical significance of detecting sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by JC-1 fluorescent staining and flow cytometry, and to explore the relationship between the results of JC-1 staining and seminal parameters.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-three semen samples were divided into a fertile (n = 31) and an infertile group (n = 32) and underwent computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). All the samples were washed, followed by JC-1 staining and evaluation of sperm MMP by flow cytometry. The percentage of normal sperm MMP was indicated as the percentage of sperm emitting orange-red fluorescence (JC-1 + %).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The JC-1 + % was significantly higher in the fertile group than in the infertile one ([75.89 +/- 15.69]% vs [54.04 +/- 22.21] %, P = 0.000), correlated positively with sperm motility (r = 0.610, P = 0.000) and the percentage of grade a + b sperm (r = 0.614, P = 0.000) and negatively with grade d sperm (r = -0.504, P = 0.000). There was a significant positive correlation between the results of JC-1 staining (JC-1 + %) and that of Rh123 /PI dual fluorescent staining (Rh123 + / PI (-)%) (r = 0.938, P = 0.000).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>JC-1 staining and flow cytometry could readily and quickly detect sperm MMP and the sperm JC-1 + % could be an auxiliary marker for the diagnosis of male infertility.</p>

Preventive effect of daidzein on testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the preventive effect of the phytoestrogen daidzein on prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-six male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were equally randomized into 6 groups: Group I and II (normal control and model, treated with 1 ml distilled water by oral gavage), and Group III-VI (low-, medium- and high-dose daidzein and positive control, respectively given daidzein at 2, 20 and 100 mg/kg and diethylstilbestrol at 0.1 mg/kg once a day for 90 days). From the 91st day , Group III-VI were treated with subcutaneous injection of testosterone at 7.5 mg/kg/d for 10 days to induce prostatic hyperplasia. The wet weight and the index of the prostate were obtained, its morphological changes detected and the changes of ERalphaa and ERbeta expressions in the prostate observed by immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the model group, the wet weight and the index of the prostate were significantly reduced in the 3 daidzein groups and the positive control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Medium- and high-dose daidzein induced a more obvious alleviation of prostate hyperplasia, characterized by thinner epithelia, decreased secretions in the glandular cavity and reduced interstitial tissues. The expression of ERalpha showed no significant difference between the model group and the other groups, while that of ERbeta was markedly decreased in the daidzein-treated groups as compared with the normal control or the model group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The phytoestrogen daidzein has some preventive effect on prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone in rats.</p>

Microsurgical varicocelectomy for male infertility / 中华男科学杂志

Varicoceles is the most common identifiable cause of male infertility, and varicocele repair is a major means for the treatment of the disease. Conventional techniques of varicocele repair including Palomo operation, open inguinal varicocelectomy and laparoscopic varicocelectomy have a relatively high rate of postoperative hydrocele formation, varicocele recurrence and testicular artery injury. Recently, microsurgical varicocelectomy has gained a worldwide application in the treatment of varicocele, which can preserve the testicular artery and lymphatic vessels ligate all the spermatic but vasal veins and significantly lower the incidence of the complications. It can improve the semen parameters of male infertility patients and increase the pregnancy rate in their female partners. It can also improve the semen parameters of the patients with non-obstructive azoospermia or severe oligoasthenospermia. Nowadays microsurgical varicocelectomy has become the "golden standard" for the treatment of varicocele.