Sperm retrieval outcomes of contralateral testis in men with nonobstructive azoospermia and unsuccessful unilateral microdissection testicular sperm extraction.

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Factors influencing the sperm retrieval rate of microdissection testicular sperm extraction in patients with nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome.

To investigate the factors affecting the sperm retrieval rate of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in patients with nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome (KS), 64 patients with nonmosaic KS who underwent micro-TESE in the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Peking University Third Hospital (Beijing, China) between January 2016 and December 2017 were included in the study. Data on medical history, physical examination and laboratory examination results, and micro-TESE outcomes were collected. Patients were divided into two groups according to micro-TESE outcomes. The following factors were compared between the two groups by the Mann‒Whitney U test or Student's t-test based on the distribution (nonnormal or normal) of the factors: age, testicular size, follicle-stimulating hormone level, luteinizing hormone level, testosterone level, and anti-Müllerian hormone level. The overall success rate of sperm retrieval was 50.0%. Correlation analysis showed that testicular volume was positively correlated with testosterone level. Using a logistic regression model, age and anti-Müllerian hormone levels were found to be better predictors for the sperm retrieval rate than the other parameters.

A retrospective cohort study of geographic differences in the semen of 1,012 sperm donors in China.

Background: Male reproductive health has become a serious public health concern, and semen quality is essential to male reproduction. We aimed to investigate geographical differences in the semen quality of sperm donors from northern and southern China by enrolling donors across the country. Methods: A total of 1,012 sperm donors were enrolled in this study between 2015 and 2019. Donors were first divided into two parts based on their birthplace according to the "Qinling-Huaihe" line, and secondly, by their residential latitude. Finally, donors were re-classified into two groups (typically north and south) which contained 667 samples. Results: Statistically significant differences in sperm concentration were observed among men from different latitudes in China (P=0.04). The sperm concentrations of males from 18° to 27° north latitude were significantly lower than those from 36° to 45° and 45° to 54° [median 131, 134, and 146, respectively, P=0.021 (18° to 27° vs. 36° to 45°) and P=0.01 (18° to 27° vs. 45° to 54°)]. Conclusion: We hypothesize environmental pollution and mental stress due to the increased population size may be the main factors underlying differences in the sperm quality of men in northern and southern China.

Development of a predictive model for increasing sperm retrieval success by microdissection testicular sperm extraction in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia.

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) is widely used to treat nonobstructive azoospermia. However, a good prediction model is required to anticipate a successful sperm retrieval rate before performing micro-TESE. This retrospective study analyzed the clinical records of 200 nonobstructive azoospermia patients between January 2021 and December 2021. The backward method was used to perform binary logistic regression analysis and identify factors that predicted a successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval. The prediction model was constructed using acquired regression coefficients, and its predictive performance was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve. In all, 67 patients (sperm retrieval rate: 33.5%) underwent successful micro-TESE. Follicle-stimulating hormone, anti-Müllerian hormone, and inhibin B levels varied significantly between patients who underwent successful and unsuccessful micro-TESE. Binary logistic regression analysis yielded the following six predictors: anti-Müllerian hormone (odds ratio [OR] = 0.902, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.821-0.990), inhibin B (OR = 1.012, 95% CI: 1.001-1.024), Klinefelter's syndrome (OR = 0.022, 95% CI: 0.002-0.243), Y chromosome microdeletion (OR = 0.050, 95% CI: 0.005-0.504), cryptorchidism with orchiopexy (OR = 0.085, 95% CI: 0.008-0.929), and idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia (OR = 0.031, 95% CI: 0.003-0.277). The prediction model had an area under the curve of 0.720 (95% CI: 0.645-0.794), sensitivity of 65.7%, specificity of 72.2%, Youden index of 0.379, and cut-off value of 0.305 overall, indicating good predictive value and accuracy. This model can assist clinicians and nonobstructive azoospermia patients in decision-making and avoiding negative micro-TESE results.

Psychological status of infertile men during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in China: a cross-sectional investigation.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has had a widespread and profound impact on people's mental health. The factors associated with mental symptoms among men diagnosed with infertility, a disease closely related to psychological conditions, remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the risk factors associated with mental symptoms among infertile Chinese men during the pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 4,098 eligible participants were recruited in this cross-sectional, nationwide study, including 2,034 (49.6%) with primary infertility and 2,064 (50.4%) with secondary infertility. The prevalence of mental health conditions was 36.3%, 39.6%, and 6.7% for anxiety, depression, and post-pandemic stress, respectively. Sexual dysfunction is associated with a higher risk with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 1.40 for anxiety, 1.38 for depression, and 2.32 for stress. Men receiving infertility drug therapy displayed a higher risk for anxiety (adjusted OR, 1.31) and depression (adjusted OR, 1.28) symptoms, while those receiving intrauterine insemination had a lower risk of anxiety (adjusted OR, 0.56) and depression (adjusted OR, 0.55) symptoms. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant psychological impact on infertile men. Several psychologically vulnerable populations were identified, including individuals with sexual dysfunction, respondents receiving infertility drug therapy, and those experiencing control measures for COVID-19. The findings provide a comprehensive profile of the mental health status of infertile Chinese men during the COVID-19 outbreak and provide potential psychological intervention strategies.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: L'épidémie de maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) a eu un impact étendu et profond sur la santé mentale des gens. Les facteurs associés aux symptômes mentaux chez les hommes diagnostiqués comme infertiles, une maladie étroitement liée aux conditions psychologiques, restent flous. L'objectif de cette étude est d'étudier les facteurs de risque associés aux symptômes mentaux chez les hommes chinois infertiles pendant la pandémie. RéSULTATS: Au total, 4 098 participants admissibles ont été recrutés dans cette étude transversale à l'échelle nationale, dont 2 034 (49,6%) présentaient une infertilité primaire et 2 064 (50,4%) une infertilité secondaire. La prévalence des problèmes de santé mentale était respectivement de 36,3 %, 39,6 % et 6,7 % pour l'anxiété, la dépression, et le stress postpandémique. La dysfonction sexuelle est associée à un risque plus élevé avec des odds ratios ajustés (OR) de 1,40 pour l'anxiété, 1,38 pour la dépression et 2,32 pour le stress. Les hommes recevant un traitement médicamenteux contre l'infertilité présentaient un risque plus élevé de symptômes d'anxiété (OR ajusté, 1,31) et de dépression (OR ajusté, 1,28), alors que ceux dont le traitement consistait à faire des inséminations intra-utérines présentaient un risque plus faible de symptômes d'anxiété (OR ajusté, 0,56) et de dépression (OR ajusté, 0,55). CONCLUSIONS: La pandémie de COVID-19 a eu un impact psychologique important sur les hommes infertiles. Plusieurs populations psychologiquement vulnérables ont été identifiées, notamment les personnes souffrant de dysfonction sexuelle, les hommes recevant un traitement médicamenteux contre l'infertilité, et ceux subissant des mesures de contrôle de la COVID-19. Les résultats fournissent un profil complet de l'état de santé mentale des hommes Chinois infertiles pendant l'épidémie de COVID-19 et fournissent des stratégies potentielles d'intervention psychologique.

Identification and characterization of circular RNAs in the testicular tissue of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed noncoding RNAs that participate in multiple reproduction-related diseases. However, the expression pattern and potential functions of circRNAs in the testes of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) remain elusive. In this study, according to a circRNA array, a total of 37 881 circRNAs were identified that were differentially expressed in the testes of NOA patients compared with normal controls, including 19 874 upregulated circRNAs and 18 007 downregulated circRNAs. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, we confirmed that the change tendency of some specific circRNAs, including hsa_circ_0137890, hsa_circ_0136298, and hsa_circ_0007273, was consistent with the microarray data in another larger sample. The structures and characteristics of these circRNAs were confirmed by Sanger sequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that these circRNAs were primarily expressed in the cytoplasm. Bioinformatics analysis was used to construct the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, and numerous miRNAs that could be paired with circRNAs validated in this study were reported to be vital for spermatogenesis regulation. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses indicated that genes involved in axoneme assembly, microtubule-based processes, and cell proliferation were significantly enriched. Our data suggest that there are aberrantly expressed circRNA profiles in patients with NOA and that these circRNAs may help identify key diagnostic and therapeutic molecular biomarkers for NOA patients.

Poor intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome in infertile males with azoospermia factor c microdeletions.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether the presence of azoospermia factor c (AZFc) microdeletions adversely affects intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): A total of 293 patients with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia AZFc deletions underwent 345 ICSI cycles, and 363 idiopathic patients with normal Y chromosome underwent 462 ICSI cycles. INTERVENTION(S): Testicular sperm aspiration, microdissection testicular sperm extraction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The main clinical outcome parameters were cumulative clinical pregnancy rate, cumulative live birth delivery rate, and no embryo suitable for transfer cycle rate. RESULT(S): Compared with the control group, the AZFc deletion group exhibited poorer ICSI outcome, with significant differences between the 2 groups for cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (45.39% vs. 67.49%; odds ratio [OR], 2.843; 95% confidence interval [CI]), cumulative live birth delivery rate (35.15% vs. 53.44%; OR, 2.234; 95% CI), no embryo suitable for transfer cycle rate (15.07% vs. 8.23%; OR, 0.565; 95% CI), fertilization rate (46.80% vs. 53.37%; adjusted ß, -0.074; 95% CI), implantation rate (28.63% vs. 31.26%; adjusted ß, -0.075; 95% CI) separately. The poor ICSI outcome of the AZFc deletion group was related to AZFc microdeletions by linear and logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSION(S): AZFc microdeletions adversely affect ICSI outcome; patients with AZFc deletion should be informed that they have reduced opportunities to be biological fathers.

Sperm retrieval rates and clinical outcomes for patients with different causes of azoospermia who undergo microdissection testicular sperm extraction-intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

The aim of our study was to compare the sperm retrieval rates (SRRs) and clinical outcomes of patients with different causes of azoospermia who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (micro-TESE-ICSI). We conducted a retrospective study at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing, China, from January 2014 to December 2017. This study examined 769 patients with nonobstructive azoospermia who underwent 347 cycles of micro-TESE-ICSI. Patients with azoospermia were classified into Group A (Klinefelter syndrome, n = 284, 125 cycles), Group B (azoospermia Y chromosome factor c [AZFc] microdeletion, n = 91, 64 cycles), Group C (cryptorchidism, n = 52, 39 cycles), Group D (previous mumps and bilateral orchitis, n = 23, 23 cycles), and Group E (idiopathic azoospermia, n = 319, 96 cycles). Clinical characteristics, SRR, embryonic development, and pregnancy outcomes of the patients were compared between all groups. Patients in Group D had the highest and most successful SRR. The average SRR for all patients was 46.0%. The rates of clinical pregnancy, implantation, and live birth in Group D were 78.3%, 65.0%, and 74.0%, respectively, which were higher than those in all other groups (P < 0.05). Group B patients had the lowest clinical pregnancy, implantation, and live birth rates of all groups (P < 0.05). No differences were found in the miscarriage rate or birth defects among the groups (P > 0.05). Patients with orchitis had the highest SRR and best clinical outcomes. Although AZFc microdeletion patients had a higher SRR, their clinical outcomes were worse.

Clinical outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction-intracytoplasmic sperm injection with fresh or cryopreserved sperm in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia.

We performed this study to evaluate the clinical outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (micro-TESE-ICSI) treatment that used fresh or cryopreserved sperm in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). A total of 338 NOA patients with 344 consecutive cycles received treatment in the reproductive medicine center of Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing, China, from January 2014 to December 2017. Fresh oocytes and fresh sperm were used in 222 patients with 234 cycles (Group A). Fresh oocytes and cryopreserved sperm were used in 116 patients with 110 cycles (Group B). We compared patient characteristics, embryonic development, and pregnancy outcomes between Groups A and B. There was no statistical difference in the patient characteristics, and no differences were observed with fertilization or quality embryo rates between Groups A and B. The rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth were both higher for Group A than those for Group B (both P < 0.05). In conclusion, fresh testicular sperm appears to produce better ICSI outcomes than cryopreserved testicular sperm in patients with NOA.

Altered microRNA profiles of testicular biopsies from patients with nonobstructive azoospermia.

Many studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles during the spermatogenesis. However, little is known about the altered miRNA profiles of testicular tissues in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Using microarray technology, the miRNA expression profiles of testicular biopsies from patients with NOA and of normal testicular tissues were determined. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to predict the enriched biological processes and functions of identified miRNAs. The microarray data were validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the results of which were then validated with a larger sample size. Correlations between the miRNA expression levels and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic ability of miRNAs for azoospermia. Hierarchical clustering showed that 129 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between the NOA and control groups. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in spermatogenesis, cell cycle, and mitotic prometaphase. In the subsequent qRT-PCR assays, the selected miRNA expression levels were consistent with the microarray results, and similar validated results were obtained with a larger sample size. Some clinical characteristics were significantly associated with the expression of certain miRNAs. In particular, we identified a combination of two miRNAs (miR-10b-3p and miR-34b-5p) that could serve as a predictive biomarker of azoospermia. This study provides altered miRNA profiles of testicular biopsies from NOA patients and examines the roles of miRNAs in spermatogenesis. These profiles may be useful for predicting and diagnosing the presence of testicular sperm in individuals with azoospermia.

A clinical trial on the consistency of bilateral testicular tissue histopathology and Johnsen score: single side or bilateral side biopsy?

To evaluate and compare left and right testicular tissue histopathology and Johnsen score, and to investigate the necessity for bilateral testicular biopsy. We recruited180 patients with non-obstructiveazoospermia (NOA) on testicular biopsy who had undergonetesticular sperm aspiration (TESA). Pathological sections of testicular tissue were diagnosed by specially-assigned doctors, who evaluated pathological findings, determined the Johnsen score and confirmed for the presence or absence of sperm. Sperm positive rates for left and right testicular histopathology were 55.0% and 51.7% respectively, and the proportion of Johnsen scores≥8 for left and right testes were 53.3% and 50.0%, respectively. Cohen kappa values revealed that the identification of sperm in bilateral testicular samples was not consistent and was related to random effects; Optimized cut-off value for bilateral testicular volume was 11ml (Johnsen score ≥8), and optimized cut-off values of E2 on left and right testes were 144.5pmol/L and 133.5 pmol/L (Johnsen score≤7). However, age, serum prolactin (PRL), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and total testosterone (TT) levels were not accurate predictors for the existence of testicular sperm. There was nostatistical significance between left and right testicular histopathology in terms of sperm positive rates or Johnsen score; the Johnsen score were caused entirely by random effects and a score from one side could not represent the other side. Therefore, we recommend that both testes need to undergo surgery when NOA patients undergo testicular biopsy or sperm retrieval.

Ran-binding protein M is associated with human spermatogenesis and oogenesis.

The aim of the present study was to explore the underlying mechanism and diagnostic potential of Ran­binding protein M (RanBPM) in human spermatogenesis and oogenesis. RanBPM expression in human testis and ovaries was analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting, and immunofluorescence was performed on testis and ovary tissue sections during different developmental stages of spermatogenesis and oogenesis using RanBPM antibodies. Interactions with a variety of functional proteins were also investigated. RanBPM mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by PCR and western blotting in the tissue sections. Results revealed that the mRNA expression levels were highest in the testis followed by the ovary. The RanBPM protein was predominantly localized in the nucleus of germ cells, and the expression levels were highest in pachytene spermatocytes and cells surrounding spermatids in testis tissue. In ovary cells, RanBPM was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. In conclusion, the results suggested that RanBPM may have multiple roles in the regulation of germ cell proliferation during human spermatogenesis and oogenesis. This research may provide a novel insight into the underlying molecular mechanism of RanBPM and may have implications for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of human infertility.

[Qilin Pills for idiopathic oligoasthenospermia: A multi-centered randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Qilin Pills in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia in infertile men. METHODS: This multi-centered randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial included 216 infertile males with oligoasthenospermia, 108 in the trial group and the other 108 in the control, the former treated with Qilin Pills at the dose of 6 g tid while the latter with Wuziyanzong Pills at 6 g bid, both for 12 weeks. We examined the total sperm count, sperm motility and the count of progressively motile sperm of the patients before and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after medication and evaluated the safety of the drug based on the adverse events and the laboratory results of blood and urine routine examinations and liver and kidney function tests. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, the patients in the trial group showed a significant time-dependent improvement after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of medication in sperm motility (21.75% vs 27.54%, 29.04% and 32.95%, P <0.05), total sperm count (156.27 ×106 vs 177.33, 188.18 and 205.44 ×106, P <0.05), and the count of progressively motile sperm (32.08 ×106/ml vs 46.33, 50.98 and 61.10 ×106/ml, P <0.05). The three parameters above were also improved in the controls, but more significantly in the trial group (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Qilin Pills can evidently improve the semen quality of oligoasthenospermia patients with no obvious adverse events.

[Microdissection testicular sperm extraction for patients with nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome: A report of 143 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical application and outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in patients with nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome (KS). METHODS: A total of 143 nonmosaic KS patients underwent micro-TESE in the Center of Reproductive Medicine of Peking University Third Hospital between July 2012 and August 2016. We analyzed their clinical and follow-up data and evaluated the outcomes. RESULTS: Spermatozoa were successfully retrieved from the testicular tissue in 44.76% (64/143) of the patients, 84.4% (54/64) by unilateral and 15.6% (10/64) by bilateral micro-TESE. Seventy-five of the KS patients were followed up in the years of 2014 and 2015. Of the 34 patients with successful sperm retrieval, 73.52% (25/34) achieved clinical pregnancy and 8 boys and 8 girls were already born in 14 of the 25 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The micro-TESE is a useful method for sperm retrieval in nonmosaic KS patients, with high rates of sperm retrieval, clinical pregnancy, and birth of biological offspring.

[Impact of the CFTR chloride channel on the cytoskeleton of mouse Sertoli cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of the chloride channel dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) on the cytoskeleton of Sertoli cells in the mouse. METHODS: TM4 Sertoli cells were cultured and treated with CFTR(inh)-172 at the concentrations of 1, 5, 10 and 20 µmol/L for 48 hours. Then the cytotoxicity of CFT(inh)-172 was assessed by CCK-8 assay, the expressions of F-actin and Ac-tub in the TM4 Sertoli cells detected by immunofluorescence assay, and those of N-cadherin, vimentin and vinculin determined by qPCR. RESULTS: CFTR(inh)-172 produced cytotoxicity to the TM4 Sertoli cells at the concentration of 20 µmol/L. The expressions of F-actin and Ac-tub were decreased gradually in the TM4 Sertoli cells with the prolonging of treatment time and increasing concentration of CFTR(inh)-172 (P < 0.05). The results of qPCR showed that different concentrations of CFTR(inh)-172 worked no significant influence on the mRNA expressions of N-cadherin, vimentin and vinculin in the Sertoli cells. CONCLUSION: The CFTR chloride channel plays an important role in maintaining the normal cytoskeleton of Sertoli cells. The reduced function and expression of the CFTR chloride channel may affect the function of Sertoli cells and consequently spermatogenesis of the testis.

Multiple factors affecting surgical outcomes and patency rates in use of single-armed two-suture microsurgical vasoepididymostomy: a single surgeon's experience with 81 patients.

Vasoepididymostomy (VE), as the most challenging procedure in microsurgeries, is often carried out with a double-armed two-suture technique. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of the single-armed two-suture VEs on humans and studied the factors that could possibly affect the patency rates. From July 2012 to July 2013, we reviewed 81 patients with consecutive primary epididymal obstruction who underwent single-armed two-suture longitudinal intussusception microsurgical VEs by a single surgeon, Kai Hong (KH). At the same time, we analyzed seven factors that possibly related to the patency rates. With the single-armed technique, a total of 81 men underwent the microsurgical VEs. Data on 62 patients were completely recorded. 19 patients were lost to follow-up. Mean age was 31 years old. Mean follow-up time was 8.8 (2-17) months. The patency rate was 66.1% (41/62). Natural pregnancy rate was 34.1% (14/41). Overall pregnancy rate was 22.6% (14/62). No severe surgical complications were noted. With logistic regression test analysis, there were two factors related to a higher patency rate: anastomosis sites (P = 0.035) and motile sperm found in the epididymal fluid (P = 0.006). Motile sperm found in the epididymal fluid were associated with a higher patency rate (OR = 11.80, 95% CI = 1.79, 77.65). The single-armed two-suture longitudinal VE technique is feasible for microsurgical practice. The patency and pregnancy rates are comparable to the doubled-armed technique. Anastomosis sites and motile sperm found in the epididymal fluid were the most two important factors related to higher patency.

Effect of sildenafil on erectile dysfunction and improvement in the quality of sexual life in China: a multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common medical condition in middle-aged and elderly men; however, large-scale and multi-center epidemiologic studies about the treatment effects on ED in China are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the efficacy and safety of a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5-i) in the treatment of men with ED in China. METHODS: Patients clinically diagnosed with ED from 53 andrology centers in 15 metropolitan areas in China who were willing to undergo treatment for ED were enrolled in the study. Each participant received 4 weeks of unique PDE5-i treatment, and completed the following forms (International Index of Erectile Function score 5 [IIEF-5], the Erection Hardness Score [EHS], Self-Esteem and Relationship [SEAR], and SF-36 of Health Related Quality of Life). Pre-and post-treatment data were compared using descriptive analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1956 ED patients were included in this study; 1922 patients provided valid questionnaires for analysis. Four weeks of sildenafil treatment was considered effective and safe. Specifically, the IIEF-5 sores (11.30 ± 3.7 vs. 20.02 ± 5.1, P < 0.05), EHS levels (99.1% patients increases to level 3 or 4), and the SEAR scores (32.5 vs. 55.1, P < 0.05) were significantly improved compared to baseline. Sildenafil therapy also significantly improved the satisfaction, enjoyment, and frequency of sexual attempts and sexual activity, as well as physical vigor and mental health scores. CONCLUSION: The present study provides direct evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of sildenafil therapy in a large sample of Chinese men with ED, thus verifying that sildenafil improved the symptoms and quality of sexual life.

miRNA-mediated regulation of heat shock proteins in human ejaculated spermatozoa.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are expressed in human spermatozoa and play a role in sperm function. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression, and the possible involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of HSP gene expression in sperm was investigated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: miRNAs differentially expressed in 8 copies of an oligoasthenozoospermic semen group (OA) were identified by comparison with a normal male semen control group (NC) using microarray technology. Potential targets of HSP proteins among the differentially expressed miRNAs were further investigated. Results: HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 were all found to be expressed in human ejaculated spermatozoa. A total of 32 miRNAs showed significant differences in expression between the OA and NC groups. Ten of these miRNAs encoded potential targets of HSPs. CONCLUSION: These results show that specific miRNAs are expressed in human ejaculated spermatozoa. These miRNAs appear to be involved in regulating the expression of HSP40, HSP70, and HSP90, and this in turn affects sperm function.

Correlation between body mass index and semen quality in male infertility patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The question of whether body mass index (BMI) affects semen quality and male fertility is controversial. The purpose of this research was to determine whether there is a correlation between BMI and semen analysis parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 617 male infertility patients were recruited and separated into 3 groups according to BMI values as follows: normal weight group (n = 334), overweight group (n = 220), and obese group (n = 63). Height and weight were measured and a routine semen analysis was performed for all patients. RESULTS: Significant differences existed in BMI, age, and sperm motility (progressive motility) among the 3 groups. BMI and abstinence period were negatively correlated with sperm motility (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), although they did not correlate with semen volume, total sperm number, concentration, and rate of sperm with normal morphology (P > 0.05). Abstinence, BMI, and age had a linear correlation with sperm motility (P < 0.01) in that order of influence. CONCLUSION: Sperm motility, an important semen parameter with respect to male fertility, is reduced in men with increased BMI, and BMI is one of the risk factors that influence semen quality.