Metabolic enzyme gene polymorphisms predict the effects of antioxidant treatment on idiopathic male infertility.

To explore the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes such as CYP1A1, CYP2D6, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 and idiopathic male infertility. By observing the efficacy of antioxidants in the treatment of idiopathic male infertility, the effect of metabolic enzyme gene polymorphisms on antioxidant therapy in patients with idiopathic male infertility was prospectively studied. This case-control study included 310 men with idiopathic infertility and 170 healthy controls. The cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6), glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1), and glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) genotypes in peripheral blood samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The idiopathic male infertility group was treated with vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 for 3 months and followed up for 6 months. GSTM1(-), GSTT1(-), and GSTM1/T1(-/-) in the idiopathic male infertility groups were more common than those in the control group. The sperm concentration, motility, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level in patients with GSTM1(-), GSTT1(-), and GSTM1/T1(-/-) were lower than those in wild-type carriers, and the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were higher. Therefore, oxidative damage may play an important role in the occurrence and development of idiopathic male infertility, but antioxidant therapy is not effective in male infertility patients with GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletions.

[Improving effect of Jiarong Tablets on the morphological structure and function of the testis in rats with late-onset hypogonadism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Jiarong Tablets (JRT) on the testicular morphology and function of rats with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). METHODS: LOH models were established in 8 eighteen-month-old male SD rats, treated intragastrically with distilled water (the model control group, n = 4) or JRT at 0.375 g/kg/d, qd (the JRT group, n = 4), and another 5 two-month-old normal male SD rats were also given distilled water by gavage (normal control group), all for 28 days. Then all the rats were weighed and sacrificed for measurement of the serum T level and pathological and electron microscopic examination of the testis tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the normal controls, the LOH models showed significantly decreased testis coefficient (P < 0.05) and serum T level (ï¼»3.40 ± 0.06ï¼½ vs ï¼»5.88 ± 0.46ï¼½ ng /ml, P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in the model control and JRT groups in the body weight and testis coefficient (P > 0.05), but the serum T level (ï¼»4.50 ± 0.78ï¼½ ng/ml) was remarkably decreased in the latter (P < 0.05). In comparison with the model controls, the rats treated with JRT exhibited increases in the sperm count in the seminiferous tubules and the amount of testicular interstitial cells. Electron microscopy revealed a markedly increased number of mitochondria in the JRT-treated animals, with some mitochondrial sheaths and cristae but no obvious mitochondrial edema. CONCLUSIONS: Jiarong Tablets can elevate the serum T level and improve the testicular morphology and ultrastructure of LOH rats.

A case report of solitary neurofibroma of the Vas deferens.

Solitary neurofibroma of the male genital tract is a rare benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor which is considered to originate from the Schwann cell. Neurofibroma of the male genital tract has been reported extremely rarely in the literature. We present a case of neurofibroma of the Vas deferens in a 59-year-old patient. The clinical and pathological data of a patient with Neurofibroma of the Vas deferens were retrospectively analyzed and radical resection of the left side spermatic cord tumor was performed. This case report will help in understanding this rare tumor.

Moderate Dose of Trolox Preventing the Deleterious Effects of Wi-Fi Radiation on Spermatozoa In vitro through Reduction of Oxidative Stress Damage.

BACKGROUND: The worsening of semen quality, due to the application of Wi-Fi, can be ameliorated by Vitamin E. This study aimed to demonstrate whether a moderate dose of trolox, a new Vitamin E, inhibits oxidative damage on sperms in vitro after exposure to Wi-Fi radiation. METHODS: Each of the twenty qualified semen, gathered from June to October 2014 in eugenics clinic, was separated into four aliquots, including sham, Wi-Fi-exposed, Wi-Fi plus 5 mmol/L trolox, and Wi-Fi plus 10 mmol/L trolox groups. At 0 min, all baseline parameters of the 20 samples were measured in sequence. Reactive oxygen species, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase were evaluated in the four aliquots at 45 and 90 min, as were sperm DNA fragments, sperm mitochondrial potential, relative amplification of sperm mitochondrial DNA, sperm vitality, and progressive and immotility sperm. The parameters were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's posttest. RESULTS: Among Wi-Fi plus 5 mmol/L trolox, Wi-Fi-exposed and Wi-Fi plus 10 mmol/L trolox groups, reactive oxygen species levels (45 min: 3.80 ± 0.41 RLU·10-6·ml-1 vs. 7.50 ± 0.35 RLU·10-6·ml-1 vs. 6.70 ± 0.47 RLU·10-6·ml-1, P < 0.001; 90 min: 5.40 ± 0.21 RLU·10-6·ml-1 vs. 10.10 ± 0.31 RLU·10-6·ml-1 vs. 7.00 ± 0.42 RLU·10-6·ml-1, P < 0.001, respectively), percentages of tail DNA (45 min: 16.8 ± 2.0% vs. 31.9 ± 2.5% vs. 61.3 ± 1.6%, P < 0.001; 90 min: 19.7 ± 1.5% vs. 73.7 ± 1.3% vs. 73.1 ± 1.1%, P < 0.001, respectively), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (45 min: 51.89 ± 1.46 pg/ml vs. 104.89 ± 2.19 pg/ml vs. 106.11 ± 1.81 pg/ml , P = 0.012; 90 min: 79.96 ± 1.73 pg/ml vs. 141.73 ± 2.90 pg/ml vs. 139.06 ± 2.79 pg/ml; P < 0.001), and percentages of immotility sperm (45 min: 27.7 ± 2.7% vs. 41.7 ± 2.2% vs. 41.7 ± 2.5%; 90 min: 29.9 ± 3.3% vs. 58.9 ± 4.0% vs. 63.1 ± 4.0%; all P < 0.001) were lowest, and glutathione peroxidase (45 min: 60.50 ± 1.54 U/ml vs. 37.09 ± 1.77 U/ml vs. 28.18 ± 1.06 U/ml; 90 min: 44.61 ± 1.23 U/ml vs. 16.86 ± 0.93 U/ml vs. 29.94 ± 1.56 U/ml; all P < 0.001), percentages of head DNA (45 min: 83.2 ± 2.0% vs. 68.2 ± 2.5% vs. 38.8 ± 1.6%; 90 min: 80.3 ± 1.5% vs. 26.3 ± 1.3% vs. 26.9 ± 1.1%; all P < 0.001), percentages of sperm vitality (45 min: 89.5 ± 1.6% vs. 70.7 ± 3.1% vs. 57.7 ± 2.4%; 90 min: 80.8 ± 2.2% vs. 40.4 ± 4.0% vs. 34.7 ± 3.9%; all P < 0.001), and progressive sperm (45 min: 69.3 ± 2.7% vs. 55.8 ± 2.2% vs. 55.4 ± 2.5%; 90 min: 67.2 ± 3.3% vs. 38.2 ± 4.0% vs. 33.9 ± 4.0%; all P < 0.001) were highest in Wi-Fi plus 5 mmol/L trolox group at 45 and 90 min, respectively. Other parameters were not affected, while the sham group maintained the baseline. CONCLUSION: This study found that 5 mmol/L trolox protected the Wi-Fi-exposed semen in vitro from the damage of electromagnetic radiation-induced oxidative stress.

[Risk factors of erectile dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the penile erectile function of hospitalized male patients with cardiovascular diseases, the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in this cohort, and the relationship of ED with cardiovascular diseases and its risk factors. METHODS: Using a self-designed questionnaire, we conducted an investigation among the hospitalized patients in the Department of Cardiovascular Diseases of the First and Second Affiliated Hospitals of Xi'an Jiaotong University. We measured their body height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, and blood pressure, obtained their personal data, past history, metabolic indexes, and erectile function scores by IIEF-5, and analyzed the risk factors of ED using univariate and multivariate logistic regression and OR analyses. RESULTS: Totally, 225 valid questionnaires were included in this investigation, which showed a 66.7% incidence of ED, 15.8% mild, 27.0% mild to moderate, 17.6% moderate, and 6.3% severe. The incident rates of ED in the 18-35 yr, 36-49 yr, 50-65 yr, and > 65 yr age groups were 13.6%, 39.1%, 89.2%, and 91.2%, respectively. Univariate logistic regression analysis manifested that the risk factors of ED in the patients with cardiovascular diseases included age (OR = 3.122, 95% CI 2.040-4.779), smoking (OR = 1.768, 95% CI 1.209-2.584), BMI (OR = 1.261, 95% CI 1.114-1.427), total cholesterol (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.339-2.340), TC/HDL (OR =1.715, 95% CI 1.349-2.181), hypertension (OR = 1.717, 95% CI 1.110-2.658), and coronary heart disease (OR = 2.235, 95% CI 1.169-4.275), while multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the risk factors to be age (OR = 4.99, 95% CI 2.264-10.998), financial condition, (OR = 2.804, 95% CI 1.127-6.976), smoking (OR = 2.109, 95% CI 1.179-3.772), BMI (OR = 1.414, 95% CI 1.136-1.760), and TC/HDL (OR = 2.001, 95% CI 1.016-3.943). CONCLUSION: The incidence of ED is high in hospitalized patients with cardiovascular diseases and rises with the increase of age. Age, smoking, financial condition, BMI, and TC/HDL are the risk factors of both ED and cardiovascular diseases, and financial condition is closely associated with ED.

Study of the relationship between male erectile dysfunction and type 2 diabetes mellitus/metabolic syndrome and its components.

AIM: To study the relationship between erectile dysfunction and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)/metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: This prospective study invited male patients with T2DM attending for a routine outpatient check-up to complete two questionnaires. A general questionnaire was used to collect demographic and clinical characteristics, while sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function scoring system. The prevalence of MetS in this patient population was determined using information from the general questionnaire. Risk factors for erectile dysfunction were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients provided valid questionnaires; of these, 148 (84.6%) had MetS. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction was 90.9% (159/175) in the entire survey population compared with 89.2% (132/148) in patients with MetS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following risk factors for erectile dysfunction in patients with T2DM and/or MetS: age, blood pressure and duration of diabetes. CONCLUSION: These current findings suggest that the MetS and its components have a negative impact on male erectile function.

Risk factors for erectile dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between risk factors for cardiac disease and erectile dysfunction (ED) in men from Xi'an, China. METHODS: Participants were patients with cardiovascular disease who visited the Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Xi'an Jiaotong University First Affiliated Hospital between September 2011 and March 2012. Two hundred and fifty patients were issued with questionnaires and underwent a physical examination and blood test.Risk factors for ED were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: In total, 222 participants returned valid questionnaires (89% response rate), underwent a physical examination and blood test, and were included in the study. The most common cardiovascular diseases were hypertension (n = 142; 64%), coronary heart disease (n = 90; 41%) and angina pectoris (n = 78; 35%). Most patients (n = 144; 65%) had two or more cardiovascular diseases. Age, smoking, body mass index, total cholesterol level, hypertension and the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly associated with ED. Domestic location, level of education, participation in physical activity, diabetes and drinking alcohol were not associated with ED. CONCLUSIONS: Common risk factors for cardiovascular disease are associated with ED in patients with cardiovascular disease. This study furthers understanding of the risk factors for ED in Chinese patients with cardiovascular disease and paves the way for further research into the prevention of ED.

[Efficacy and tolerability of dapoxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and adverse effects of dapoxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation. METHODS: We randomly assigned outpatients with premature ejaculation in the proportion of 2:1 to receive 30 mg dapoxetine on demand (n =78) or 50 mg sertraline qd for one month (n = 39). Follow-up was accomplished in 95 cases, 63 in the dapoxetine group and 32 in the sertraline group. We recorded the intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), clinical global impression of change (CGIC) score, and adverse reactions of the patients and compared them between the two groups. RESULTS: IELT was significantly increased in both the dapoxetine (from [0.87 ± 0.31] to [2.84 ± 0.68] min, P < 0.05) and the sertraline group (from [0.84 ± 0.28] to [2.71 ± 0.92] min, P < 0.05) after medication. Based on the CGIC scores in premature ejaculation, the rate of excellence or effectiveness was 36.5% in the dapoxetine and 37. 5% in the sertraline group, and the rate of improvement was 63.5% in the former and 71.9% in the latter. The incidence rates of dizziness, nausea, headache, and diarrhea were slightly higher (P > 0.05) while those of fatigue, somnolence, and dry mouth significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the sertraline than in the dapoxetine group. CONCLUSION: On-demand oral medication of dapoxetine is effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of premature ejaculation.

Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6*10 and the effectiveness of combined tamoxifen citrate and testosterone undecanoate treatment in infertile men with idiopathic oligozoospermia.

Tamoxifen citrate, as the first line of treatment for infertile men with idiopathic oligozoospermia, was proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and testosterone undecanoate has shown benefits in semen values. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of treatment with tamoxifen citrate and testosterone undecanoate in infertile men with idiopathic oligozoospermia, and whether the results would be affected by polymorphisms of CYP2D6*10. A total of 230 infertile men and 147 controls were included in the study. Patients were treated with tamoxifen citrate and testosterone undecanoate. Sex hormone, sperm parameters, and incidence of spontaneous pregnancy were detected. There were no significant differences between the control and patient groups with respect to CYP2D6*10 genotype frequencies (P>0.05). The follicle-stimulation hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T) levels were raised, and sperm concentration and motility were increased at 3 months and became significant at 6 months, and they were higher in the wild-type allele (C/C) than in the heterozygous variant allele (C/T) or homozygous variant allele (T/T) subgroups (P<0.05). In addition, the percentage of normal morphology was raised at 6 months, and represented the highest percentage in the C/C subgroup (P<0.05). The incidence of spontaneous pregnancy in the C/C subgroup was higher than that in the C/T or T/T subgroups (P<0.01). This study showed that the CYP2D6*10 variant genotype demonstrated worse clinical effects in infertile men with idiopathic oligozoospermia.

[Glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms and male infertility].

The pathogenesis of male infertility involves the interactions between environmental and genetic factors. An individual's susceptibility to male infertility is influenced by his internal abilities of metabolizing and detoxicating endogenous and exogenous chemicals. Glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), such as enzymes, are involved in the cellular detoxication of various physiological and xenobiotic substances. Studies show that the polymorphism of the GSTs gene is correlated with male infertility. GSTs polymorphism-related susceptibilities to male infertility were found similar but with some inconsistencies within the same community, and inconsistent with some similarities among different communities. Therefore, further studies are to be done on the differences in GSTs polymorphism-related susceptibility to male infertility in different communities.

Molecular analysis of SNP12 in estrogen receptor α gene in hypospadiac or cryptorchid patients from Northwestern China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the single nucleotide polymorphism 12 (SNP12) in the estrogen receptor α (ESR1) gene in hypospadiac or cryptorchid patients from Northwestern China. METHODS: 103 patients and 40 controls were analyzed for SNP12 to verify whether this genetic variant was associated with hypospadias or cryptorchidism. RESULTS: The frequencies of the A allele and homozygote individuals for the A allele of SNP12 in the hypospadiac group were higher than in the control group, respectively (p = 0.011, p = 0.005). The frequency of the A allele of SNP12 in the cryptorchid group was higher than in the control group (p = 0.038). However, no significant difference was observed between the cryptorchid group and control group of homozygote individuals for the A allele of SNP12 (p = 0.070). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that the A allele of SNP12 may increase the risk of hypospadias or cryptorchidism.

[Tamoxifen combined with coenzyme Q10 for idiopathic oligoasthenospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of tamoxifen (TMX) combined with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on idiopathic oligoasthenospermia. METHODS: A total of 183 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia were randomly divided into a TMX + CoQ10 group (n = 63), a TMX group (n = 61) and a CoQ10 group (n = 59). At the end of 3 and 6 months of treatment, semen analyses and hormone tests were performed, and the results were compared with those obtained before the treatment. RESULTS: Compared with the pre-treatment results, the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) and sperm concentration were significantly elevated in the TMX + CoQ10 and TMX groups (P < 0.05), but showed no significant difference in the CoQ10 group (P > 0.05); sperm motility and morphologically normal sperm were increased significantly in the TMX + CoQ10 and CoQ10 groups (P < 0.05), and slightly in the TMX group but with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tamoxifen combined with CoQ10 can significantly improve sperm concentration, motility and morphology in patients with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia.

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its relation to chronic prostatitis in Chinese men.

This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and to explore its correlation to chronic prostatitis in China. A cross-sectional investigation from a large cohort study of Chinese men was used in this survey. A questionnaire consisting of general information regarding socio-demographics, chronic disease history, sexual function, the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index, and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) was administered to 15 000 Chinese men aged from 15 to 60. The prevalence of ED was determined from the patient's self-evaluation and IIEF-5 score. The eligible individual both was married and had intercourse experience. In total, there were 12 743 respondents, giving a response rate of 84.95%. Among 7372 eligible men, ED prevalence as assessed by self-report and IIEF-5 score was 12.0% and 17.1%, respectively. Among 771 men with prostatitis-like symptoms, ED prevalence as assessed by self-report and IIEF-5 score was 39.3% and 30.1%, respectively. Among 370 men suffering from chronic prostatitis, ED prevalence as assessed by self-report and IIEF-5 score was 40.5% and 35.1%, respectively. The prevalence of self-reported and IIEF-5 score-assessed ED had high correlation with increasing age among all eligible men, men with prostatitis-like symptoms, and men with chronic prostatitis (P(t) < .05, P(s) < .05, P(cp) < .05). ED prevalence as assessed by both self-report and IIEF-5 score was higher in men with prostatitis-like symptoms and with chronic prostatitis than in the general group (P(s) < .05, P(cp) < .05). The prevalence of ED was higher in the prostatitis population than in the general population with either self-reported or IIEF-5 score assessment. The prevalence was higher with self-reported than with IIEF-5 assessment in men with prostatitis. Estimates of ED prevalence among men with prostatitis should not rely on self-reporting alone in that this is likely to overestimate the true prevalence.

Prevalence of premature ejaculation and its correlation with chronic prostatitis in Chinese men.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a common and serious health problem affecting the quality of life of men. We evaluated the prevalence of premature ejaculation (PE) in Chinese men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome and studied its correlation to chronic prostatitis. METHODS: A total of 15,000 men (aged 15-60 years) were randomly recruited to take part in a survey to provide questionnaire-elicited information for sociodemographics, sexual function, National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index, and International Index of Erectile Function 5-item questionnaire. The eligible subjects of the present investigation were married with sexual activity. RESULTS: Responses were collected from 12 743 men (84.95%). Of these men, 1071 (8.4%) reported having prostatitis-like symptoms. The incidence of chronic prostatitis was 4.5% (n = 571) for the entire group. Of the 7372 eligible men, the incidence of prostatitis-like symptoms, chronic prostatitis, and PE was 10.5% (n = 771), 5.0% (n = 370), and 15.3% (n = 1127), respectively. The group with PE had worse National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index scores (P < .05) and lower International Index of Erectile Function 5-item questionnaire scores (P < .05) than the patients without PE. Also, the percentage of prostatitis-like symptoms in the PE group was greater than that in the non-PE group (P < .05). The prevalence of PE was 64.1% and 36.9% in the prostatitis-like symptom and chronic prostatitis group, respectively, of the 7372 eligible men. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed a high prevalence of PE in patients with chronic prostatitis. An examination of the prostate, physically and microbiologically, should be considered during the assessment of patients with PE.

Molecular analysis of KAL-1 in a series of Kallmann syndrome and normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism patients from Northwestern China.

We conducted an analysis of the Kallmann syndrome 1 (KAL-1) genotype in 17 patients with Kallmann syndrome (KS), 9 patients with normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nIHH) and 20 age-matched normal men in Northwestern China. To do this, we used multiplex PCR analysis with exon-flanking primers and automated sequencing techniques with peripheral blood DNA samples. Intragenic deletions were found at the KAL-1 locus in two KS patients. One case with an atrial septal defect exhibited an intragenic deletion of exon 6. Another KS patient with cryptorchidism had intragenic deletions of exons 5 and 6. For the nIHH patients, no abnormalities were observed in the exonic and flanking sequences of KAL-1. This report describes two intragenic deletions of KAL-1 in two KS patients and suggests that KAL-1 deletion might be more prevalent in KS patients with other congenital organ abnormalities than those described previously in other series from Northwestern China.

The prevalence of prostatitis-like symptoms in China.

PURPOSE: We studied the prevalence of prostatitis-like symptoms and identified their associated risk factors in a population based Chinese sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A volunteer group of 15,000 eligible men residing in Beijing, Anhui, Xi'an, Guangzhou and Gansu cities or provinces were invited randomly to take part in the survey to complete a questionnaire that elicited information regarding sociodemographics, Eysenck personality questionnaire, current stress and health ratings, lifestyle, medical history, expressed prostatic secretion evaluation, score of the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index and International Index of Erectile Function-5. RESULTS: Information on 12,743 (84.95%) men was collected. Of these men 1,071 (8.4%) reported prostatitis-like symptoms (mean National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index pain score 7.55 +/- 3.22). The percent of chronic prostatitis was 4.5% (571) among the symptoms group according to past urological history and expressed prostatic secretion evaluation. Subjects with prostatitis-like symptoms (mean age 34.56 +/- 13.48 years) had higher mean pain and urinary symptoms scores (7.53 +/- 3.22 and 2.84 +/- 2.72, respectively) compared with subjects without prostatitis-like symptoms (1.18 +/- 2.32 and 0.72 +/- 1.66 for pain and urinary symptoms scores, respectively, mean age 30.7 +/- 10.17) (pain and symptoms scores, p <0.05). The quality of life score was 6.03 +/- 2.88 and 3.83 +/- 2.55 in groups with symptoms or nonsymptoms, respectively (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prostatitis-like symptoms are a multifactorial problem affecting men of all ages (15 to 60 years) and demographics, and the prevalence is high in China. The syndrome is closely related to alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, frequent intercourse, as well as fatigue, pressure and too little sleep. These findings suggest that risk factors for this condition are largely modifiable and highlight potential targets for future prevention.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis in Chinese men.

The aim of this study is to assess the status of treatment of chronic prostatitis (CP) in Chinese men. A population-based cross-sectional survey was performed, in which 15 000 men aged between 15 and 60 years were randomly selected to receive a questionnaire designed to assess National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptoms Index (NIH-CPSI) status, therapeutic efficacy and 28 other items. A total of 12 743 men (84.95%) completed the questionnaire, of whom 1 071 (8.4%) were identified as having prostatitis-like symptoms and 517 (4.5%) were diagnosed with CP according to NIH-CPSI criteria and prostatitis-like symptomatology. Of the CP patients, 372 (65%) underwent long-term routine treatment 12 times per year. Additionally, 217 (72.8%) patients received antibiotic therapy and 215 (79.3%) men showed therapeutic effects. The treatment cost USD 1 151 (8 059 yuan) per person per year on average. Most CP patients received routine treatment, in most cases with antibiotics. Treatment was costly and most CP patients were not satisfied with its effectiveness. Antibacterial treatment might have been effective primarily in patients with bacterial disease.

Genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase T1 gene and susceptibility to idiopathic azoospermia or oligospermia in northwestern China.

AIM: To investigate the association of glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) gene polymorphism in patients with idiopathic azoospermia or oligospermia in the northwestern China population. METHODS: In the case-control study, GSTT1 genotypes were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with peripheral blood DNA samples from 78 patients with idiopathic azoospermia, 103 patients with idiopathic oligospermia and 156 age-matched controls with normal sperm concentration and motility, according to the criteria adapted from World Health Organization guidelines. All of the patients and controls were from northwestern China. RESULTS: There is a significant association between GSTT1 null genotype with idiopathic azoospermia risk (odds ratio [OR]: 2.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-4.20, P=0.003) or idiopathic oligospermia risk (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.17-3.27, P=0.010). CONCLUSION: GSTT1 null genotype is a predisposing risk factor for sporadic idiopathic azoospermia or oligospermia in northwestern China.

[Genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase T1 associated with idiopathic azoospermia and oligospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of glutathioneS-transferase T (GSTT1) gene polymorphism with azoospermia and oligospermia. METHODS: Semen samples from 34 patients with idiopathic azoospermia, 40 patients with idiopathic oligospermia and 53 healthy controls with normal sperm concentration and motility were assessed according to the standards of WHO. The GSTT1 genotypes were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with peripheral blood DNA samples. RESULTS: The frequencies of null GSTTI genotypes in the patients with idiopathic azoospermia, idiopathic oligospermia and the healthy controls were 76.5%, 72.5% and 49.1%, respectively. There was a significant association between the null alleles of GSTT1 and idiopathic azoospermia (odds ratio 3.13, 95% CI 1.20-8.16, P = 0.020) and idiopathic oligospermia (odds radio 2.53, 95% CI 1.06-6.11, P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: The null alleles of GSTTI are a strong predisposing risk factor for idiopathic azoospermia and oligospermia.