Combined oncolytic adenovirus carrying MnSOD and mK5 genes both regulated by survivin promoter has a synergistic inhibitory effect on gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality. The use of oncolytic virus for cancer gene-virotherapy is a new approach for the treatment of human cancers. In this study, a novel Survivin promoter-driven recombinant oncolytic adenovirus carrying mK5 or MnSOD gene was constructed, which was modified after deletion of the E1B gene. Human plasminogen Kringle 5 mutant (mK5) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) are both potential tumor suppressor genes. By constructing Ad-Surp-mK5 and Ad-Surp-MnSOD oncolytic adenoviruses, we hypothesized that the combination of the two viruses would enhance the therapeutic efficacy of GC as compared to the one virus alone. The results of the in vitro experiments revealed that the combination of adenovirus carrying mK5 and MnSOD gene exhibited stronger cytotoxicity to GC cell lines as compared to the virus alone. Additionally, the virus could selectively kill cancer cells and human somatic cells. Cell staining, flow cytometry, and western blot analysis showed that the combination of two adenoviruses containing therapeutic genes could promote the apoptosis of cancer cells. In vivo experiments further verified that Ad-Surp-mK5 in combination with Ad-Surp-MnSOD exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of GC tumor xenograft as compared to the virus alone, and no significant difference was observed in the bodyweight of treatment and the normal mice. In conclusion, the combination of our two newly constructed recombinant oncolytic adenoviruses containing mK5 or MnSOD therapeutic genes could significantly inhibit gastric cancer growth by inducing apoptosis, suggestive of its potential for GC therapy.

[Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for asthenozoospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in the treatment of asthenozoospermia. METHODS: We randomly divided 72 asthenozoospermia patients into a 2 Hz TEAS (n = 29), a 100 Hz TEAS (n = 20), and a blank control group (n = 23), those in the former two groups treated by 30 minutes of TEAS at 2 Hz and 100 Hz respectively, applied to the acupoints of bilateral Shenshu, left Zusanli, and Guanyuan, once a day for 60 days, while those in the blank control group left untreated. Using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), we examined sperm concentration and motility as well as the percentages of grade a and grade a+b sperm in different groups of the patients. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, 2 Hz TEAS significantly increased sperm motility (ï¼»12.76 ± 1.39ï¼½ vs ï¼»18.89 ± 2.46ï¼½%, P<0.05) and the percentage of grade a+b sperm ( ï¼»10.68 ± 1.22ï¼½ vs ï¼»16.32 ± 2.10ï¼½%, P<0.05) in the asthenozoospermic patients, while 100 Hz TEAS improved not only sperm motility (ï¼»12.32 ± 2.21ï¼½ vs ï¼»23.81 ± 3.42ï¼½%, P<0.01) and the percentage of grade a+b sperm (ï¼»10.45 ± 1.98ï¼½ vs ï¼»20.25 ± 2.82 ï¼½%, P<0.01), but also the percentage of grade a sperm (ï¼»6.44 ± 1.16ï¼½ vs ï¼»13.31 ± 2.30ï¼½%, P<0.05). Moreover, in comparison with the blank control group, 2 Hz TEAS also remarkably increased sperm motility (ï¼»9.57 ± 1.60ï¼½ vs ï¼»18.89 ± 2.46ï¼½%, P<0.05) and the percentage of grade a+b sperm (ï¼»7.81 ± 1.31ï¼½ vs ï¼»16.32 ± 2.10ï¼½%, P<0.05) in the asthenozoosperma patients, while 100 Hz TEAS improved not only sperm motility (ï¼»9.57 ± 1.60ï¼½ vs ï¼»23.81 ± 3.42ï¼½%, P<0.01) and the percentage of grade a+b sperm (ï¼»7.81 ± 1.31ï¼½ vs ï¼»20.25 ± 2.82ï¼½%, P<0.01) but also the percentage of grade a sperm (ï¼»4.87 ± 1.01ï¼½ vs ï¼»13.31 ± 2.30ï¼½%, P<0.01). Meanwhile, the rate of clinical effectiveness was significantly higher in the 100 Hz TEASthan in the blank control group either in intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (100% vs 18.18%) orper-protocol (PP) analysis (90% vs 0%), and so was it than in the 2 Hz TEAS group based on the data of ITT (100% vs 33.33%). CONCLUSIONS: Both 2 Hz and 100 Hz TEAS are effective for the treatment of asthenozoospermia by improving sperm motility and vitality.

[Effects of obesity on global genome DNA methylation and gene imprinting in mouse spermatozoa].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of high fat diet-induced obesity (HFDIO) on the differentially methylated region (DMR) of the imprinted gene and global genome methylation of sperm DNA. METHODS: We performed bisulfite sequencing on the DMR of the imprinted gene and global genome methylation of sperm DNA in the mouse model of HFDIO. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the HFDIO model and normal control mice in MEG3-IG (93.73 vs 97.26%, P = 0.252), H19 (98.00 vs 97.83%, P = 0.920), IGF2 (97.34 vs 96.25%, P =0.166), IGF2R (1.43 vs 1.11%, P = 0.695), PEG3 (0.19 vs 0.38%, P = 0.537), MEST (0.23 vs 0.68%, P = 0.315), NNAT (0.31 vs 0.00%, P = 0.134), or SNRPN (1.88 vs 3.13%, P = 0.628). A total of 8 942 DMRs were detected across the sperm genome (P <0.05). Gene functional enrichment analysis indicated that the enriched terms with the largest numbers of genes were the metabolic process (n = 1 482), RNA synthesis (n = 779), and transcription (n = 767). CONCLUSIONS: The methylation level underwent no significant change in the DMRs of the imprinted genes from the mice with HFDIO, but the CG methylation of the genes involved in the metabolic process, RNA synthesis and transcription were significantly altered.

[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.

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

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[Detection of spermatozoa in the testicular tissue of non-obstructive azoospermia patients: cell suspension examination versus histopathology].

OBJECTIVE: To compare cell suspension examination with histopathology in detecting spermatozoa in the testicular tissue of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients, and to investigate the reliability of sperm retrieval and appropriate therapeutic options when the results of the two methods are inconsistent. METHODS: A total of 1 112 NOA patients underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE), their testicular tissues subjected to cell suspension examination and histopathology, respectively. RESULTS: The consistency rate of the two methods was 92.63%, with the sperm detection rate of 41.82% and non-sperm detection rate of 50.81%. Sperm were retrieved from 96.0% (24/25) of the patients on the day of oval retrieval, in whom sperm were found in cell suspension examination but not in histopathology. After intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), pregnancy was achieved in 8 cases (33.33%), abortion occurred in 4 (16.67%), and non-pregnancy in 12 (50.0%). CONCLUSION: Cell suspension examination combined with histopathology for detecting sperm in the testicular tissue of NOA patients gives instant, accurate, reliable and consistent results, and therefore insures successful sperm retrieval for NOA patients during the IVF cycle. In case of inconsistency between the results of the two methods, cell suspension examination is more helpful for clinical therapeutic option.

[Influence of recombination abnormality in spermatocyte meiosis on the pathology of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To primarily study the influence of recombination abnormality in human spermatocyte meiosis on the pathology of the patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). METHODS: We obtained testis tissues from 6 NOA patients by testicular biopsy and divided the tissue of each patient into 2 portions, one for pathological examination and the other for immunofluorescent staining. We observed the synaptonemal complex and the numbers of the recombination sites on homologous chromosomes, and analyzed the relationship between abnormal recombination and pathological findings. RESULTS: Pathological examination showed that the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules was thickened in 3 of the cases and atrophied in the other 3, the number of autosomal MLH1 foci in a spermatocyte ranging from 10 to 50 in the former 3, and from 30 to 50 in the latter 3. CONCLUSION: The increased range of the homologous chromosomal recombination frequency may be one of the possible factors for the thickening of seminiferous tubule basement membrane and even lumen occlusion in NOA patients.

[Tadalafil combined with behavior therapy for semen collection from infertile males in whom masturbation fails].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Tadalafil combined with behavior therapy in helping obtain semen from infertile men in whom masturbation has failed. METHODS: Sixty male infertile patients from whom masturbation had failed to obtain semen were equally assigned to receive Tadalafil combined with behavior therapy (combination group) or Tadalafil only (control group). All the patients took Tadalafil 20 mg orally the night before the day of semen collection by masturbation. Before this procedure, the patients of the combination group practiced masturbation 16 - 24 times at home. RESULTS: The average ages of the patients were (37.0 +/- 5.1) yr and (37.5 +/- 5.2) yr and their IIEF-5 scores were 16.50 +/- 1.25 and 16.90 +/- 1.09 in the combination and the control group, respectively, neither with statistically significant difference between the two groups. Semen was successfully obtained from 9 patients (30.0%) of the combination group and 1 patient (3.33%) of the control group, with statistically significant difference between the two groups (chi2 = 7.680, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: By training the patients and establishing a conditioned response to masturbation, Tadalafil combined with behavior therapy can significantly increase the success rate of semen collection from the male infertile patients in whom masturbation fails.

Microdeletions and vertical transmission of the Y-chromosome azoospermia factor region.

Spermatogenesis is regulated by several Y chromosome-specific genes located in a specific region of the long arm of the Y chromosome, the azoospermia factor region (AZF). AZF microdeletions are the main structural chromosomal abnormalities that cause male infertility. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been used to overcome natural fertilization barriers, allowing infertile couples to have children. However, these techniques increase the risk of vertical transmission of genetic defects. Despite widespread awareness of AZF microdeletions, the occurrence of de novo deletions and overexpression, as well as the expansion of AZF microdeletion vertical transmission, remains unknown. This review summarizes the mechanism of AZF microdeletion and the function of the candidate genes in the AZF region and their corresponding clinical phenotypes. Moreover, vertical transmission cases of AZF microdeletions, the impact of vertical inheritance on male fertility, and the prospective direction of research in this field are also outlined.

Novel predictors for livebirth delivery rate in patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia based on the clinical prediction model.

Objective: To build a prediction model for live birth delivery per intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in iNOA patients by obtaining sperm by microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 377 couples with iNOA male partners treated with 519 mTESE-ICSI cycles was conducted from September 2013 to July 2021 at the Reproductive Medical Centre of Peking University Third Hospital. Following exclusions, 377 couples with iNOA male partners treated with 482 mTESE-ICSIs were included. A prediction model for live birth delivery per ICSI cycle was built by multivariable logistic regression and selected by 10-fold cross-validation. Discrimination was evaluated by c-statistics and calibration was evaluated by the calibration slope. Results: The live birth delivery rate per mTESE-ICSI cycle was 39.21% (189/482) in these couples. The model identified that the presence of motile sperm during mTESE, bigger testes, higher endometrial thickness on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration (ET-hCG), and higher quality embryos are associated with higher live birth delivery success rates. The results of the model were exported based on 10-fold cross-validation. In addition, the area under the mean ROC curve was 0.71 ± 0.05 after 10-fold cross-validation, indicating that the prediction model had certain prediction precision. A calibration plot with an estimated intercept of -1.653 (95% CI: -13.403 to 10.096) and a slope of 1.043 (95% CI: 0.777 to 1.308) indicated that the model was well-calibrated. Conclusion: Our prediction model will provide valuable information about the chances of live birth delivery in couples with iNOA male partners who have a plan for mTESE-ICSI treatment. Therefore, it can improve and personalize counseling for the medical treatment of these patients.

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.

Outcomes after HSCT for mucolipidosis II (I-cell disease) caused by novel compound heterozygous GNPTAB mutations.

Background: Mucolipidosis type II (MLII), or I-cell disease, is a rare lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by variants in the GNPTAB gene. MLII patients exhibit clinical phenotypes in the prenatal or neonatal stage, such as marked dysmorphic features, cardiac involvement, respiratory symptoms, dysostosis multiplex, severe growth abnormalities, and mental and motor developmental abnormalities. The median age at diagnosis for MLII is 0.7 years, the median survival is 5.0 years, and the median age at death is 1.8 years. No cure for MLII exists. Methods: Sanger sequencing of the GNPTAB gene identified the compound heterozygous mutations c.673C > T in exon 7 and c.1090C > T in exon 9, which were novel double heterozygous mutations first reported in China. For the first time, we describe our experience in the use of HSCT for MLII. Our patient underwent HSCT with cells from a 9/10 human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched unrelated donor at 12 months of age. Myeloid neutrophil and platelet engraftment occurred on Days 10 and 11, respectively. Results: The patient's limb muscle tension was significantly reduced, and his gross and fine motor skills were improved four months after transplantation. DST(Developmental Screen Test) results showed that the patient's fine motor skills and mental development were improved compared with before HSCT. Conclusion: MLII is a very severe lysosomal storage disease, to date, only 3 cases have been reported on the use of HSCT to treat MLII. Our data show that HSCT is a potential way to prolong the life of patients and improve their quality of life. Due to the lack of comparable data and time, the exact benefit remains unclear in MLII patients. Longer-term follow-up and in-depth prospective studies are indispensable.

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.

[Successful microdissection testicular sperm extraction in patients with nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome: three cases report].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the method for patients with nonmosaic Klinefelter syndrome (KS) to father children. METHODS: Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) was performed for three patients with nonmosaic KS in our hospital. RESULTS: Three patients (their ranging from 23 years to 36 years), were diagnosed with azoospermia after several semen analyses. By palpation, their testis size was estimated about 3 mL,1 mL, and 4 mL, respectively. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was 37.2 IU/L, 42.2 IU/L, and 30.5 IU/L, respectively. Luteinizing hormone (LH) was 15.5 IU/L, 11.2 IU/L, and 10.1 IU/L, respectively. Testosterone was 1.2 nmol/L, 5.6 nmol/L, and 8.2 nmol/L, respectively. The volume of semen was 0.8 mL, 0.2 mL, and 0.5 mL, respectively. There was no sperm and fructose was positive. The transrectal B-bilateral showed vas deferens and seminal vesicles were not abnormal. And all the patients had a uniform 47, XXY karyotype. During the operation, normal formation sperms were found in two patients. They only underwent one-side micro-TESE. Active sperms were found after being cultured. The sperms were kept under cryopreservation. The other patient underwent two-side micro-TESE. No sperm was found during the operation. After the operation, a few deformity sperms were found during the second searching. No active sperm was found after being cultured. The sperm wasn't kept under cryopreservation. CONCLUSION: Although patients with nonmosaic KS have small testis and decreased spermatogenesis, some of them can obtain sperms by micro-TESE instead of accepting artificial insemination by donors.

[Correlation of testicular volume and reproductive hormone level with the results of testicular sperm aspiration in non-obstructive azoospermia patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of the testis volume and reproductive hormone level with the results of testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients, and to explore the cut-off value of the testis volume and reproductive hormone level in predicting the results of TESA so as to provide reliable information for the diagnosis and treatment of NOA. METHODS: We enlisted 121 NOA patients in this study, divided them into a sperm group and a non-sperm group based on the results of TESA, and measured their testis volumes and reproductive hormone levels. RESULTS: The left testis volume, the right testis volume, and the levels of prolactin (PRL), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and total testosterone (T) in the non-sperm and sperm groups were (7.07 +/- 1.06) ml vs (11.75 +/- 1.38) ml, (7.37 +/- 1.37) ml vs (11.70 +/- 1.98) ml, (12.43 +/- 11.69) ng/ml vs (9.60 +/- 4.55) ng/ml, (15.77 +/- 10.84) mIU/ml vs (8.01 +/- 7.43) mIU/ml, (6.12 +/- 2.92) mIU/ml vs (8.11 +/- 20.11) mIU/ml, (119.36 +/- 43.52) pmol/L vs (141.12 +/- 48.33) pmol/L, and (11.43 +/- 4.05) nmol/L vs (12.46 +/- 4.60) nmol/L, respectively. The mean levels of serum FSH and PRL were significantly higher in the non-sperm than in the sperm group. Although the mean testis volume of the former was less than that of the latter, there were no significant differences between the two groups, and nor were any significant differences in age and the levels of E2 and T. The cut-off value of the testis volume was 9 ml, with sensitivity of 93.8%/89.6% (left/right) and specificity of 100%/94.3% (left/right). The area under curve (AUC) of the left testis volume was 0.984 and that of the right was 0.961, indicating a high diagnostic accuracy. The cut-off value of the serum FSH level was 8.18 mIU/ml, with a sensitivity of 71.2% and a specificity of 75.0%. The AUC of the FSH level was 0.743, suggestive of a moderate diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSION: The testis volume and FSH level are important for predicting the TESA results of NOA patients, and the former has even a higher diagnostic accuracy than the latter.

[Relationship of sperm morphology with reproductive hormone levels in infertile men].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of sperm morphology with reproductive hormones in infertile men and the pathogenesis of teratozoospermia. METHODS: This study included 90 infertile men aged 25 - 40 years. We measured their testis volumes using the Prader orchidometer, conducted routine semen analyses according to the WHO laboratory standard, and determined the concentrations of reproductive hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) by chemiluminescence and the levels of free testosterone (FT) and bioavailable testosterone (BioT). RESULTS: All the subjects showed normal sperm concentration. Based on the results of semen morphology analysis, the 90 infertile men were equally divided into groups 1 (morphologically normal sperm <4%), 2 (morphologically normal sperm > or = 4% and <10%), and 3 (morphologically normal sperm > or = 10%), with no significant differences in age among the three groups (P>0.05). The volumes of the left testis were (14.27 +/- 3.65) ml, (16.90 +/- 3.57) ml and (14.57 +/- 3.57) ml, respectively (P = 0.006 group 1 vs group 2, P = 0.741 group 1 vs group 3, P = 0.014 group 2 vs group 3), and those of the right testis were (14.60 +/- 3.70) ml, (16.60 +/- 3.35) ml and (14.67 +/- 3.54) ml, respectively (P = 0.050). There were no significant differences among the three groups in prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, estradiol, total testosterone and SHBG, (P>0.05). The levels of serum FT were (0.25 +/- 0.07) nmol/L, (0.29 +/- 0.07) nmol/L and (0.31 +/- 0.13) nmol/L (P = 0.086 group 1 vs group 2, P= 0.010 group 1 vs group 3, P= 0.364 group 2 vs group 3), and those of BioT were (5.81 +/- 1.58) nmol/L, (6.78 +/- 1.55) nmol/L and (7.29 +/- 3.02) nmol/L, respectively (P = 0.086 group 1 vs group 2, P = 0.010 group 1 vs group 3, P = 0.364 group 2 vs group 3). The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was positively correlated with the levels of serum FT and BioT (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The higher the levels of serum FT and BioT, the higher the percentage of morphologically normal sperm, which suggests that serum FT and BioT might be involved in the pathogenesis of teratozoospermia.

Pyloric resection and delayed gastric liquid emptying in rats.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection of the distal stomach impairs gastric emptying. Generally, pylorus and the antrum are removed in the distal gastrectomy, however, the pylorus is removed individually under specific circumstances. We focus on the relation between the pyloric resection and the gastric liquid emptying. AIMS: The present investigation aimed to explore the pylorectomy how to influence gastric liquid emptying in rats. METHODS: Pylorectomy and end-to-end gastroduodenal anastomosis were conducted in rats. Electrodes were implanted in the gastrointestinal serosal surface near the stoma. Total stomach, proximal stomach, distal stomach and duodenal liquid emptying, myoelectricities in the gastrointestinal tract near the stoma, and structures were examined with scintigraphy, electrode recording in vivo, and electron microscopy, respectively. RESULTS: Delayed total stomach and distal stomach emptying were found in pylorectomy rats (p<0.001). However, there was no difference in the proximal stomach and the duodenal liquid emptying compared to the controls (p>0.05). The myoelectricity of 3-5 cpm (cycles/min) in antrum and 10-12 cpm in duodenum were found in the controls and no retrograde or antegrade myoelectricities were recorded in the duodenum and antrum. High-frequency myoelectricities (tachygastria) were recorded in the antrum near the stoma (p<0.01), the retrograde and antegrade myoelectricities propagating through the stoma were recorded, and the regenerated interstitial cells of Cajal were found in stoma under electron microscope observation in pylorectomy rat. CONCLUSIONS: The gastroduodenal incoordination and abnormal myoelectricity related to impaired contraction in the antrum caused the delayed liquid gastric emptying in pylorectomy rats.

Do multiple renal arteries in the remnant kidney have a negative influence on kidney donors after kidney donation?

AIM: To investigate whether the presence of multiple renal arteries in the remnant kidney has implications for lower renal function or increased incidence of hypertension. METHODS: We reviewed the intraoperative and follow-up data of 101 live kidney donors who underwent nephrectomies at our institution. Sixty-nine donors (68.3%) had single artery in the remnant kidney (Group A), while 32 donors (31.7%) had multiple renal arteries in the remnant kidney (Group B). We compared the demographic and intraoperative data between the two groups. The follow-up data of donors in each group were divided into three subgroups based on the length of the follow-up period (12-24 months, 24-48 months and ≥48 months). Subgroups were created based on blood pressure and serum creatinine level. The δblood pressure (follow-up blood pressure minus preoperative blood pressure) and δserum creatinine (follow-up serum creatinine minus preoperative serum creatinine) in each subgroup in Group A were compared with the counterparts in Group B. RESULTS: Renal arterial stenosis and calcification of renal arterial wall were not observed in all donors. There were no significant differences in the intraoperative characteristics (e.g. age, body mass index, operative duration and estimated blood loss) between the two groups. In addition, the blood pressure and serum creatinine level among subgroups within each group were similar. Furthermore, significant differences in δblood pressure and δserum creatinine were not observed between subgroups within the same follow-up period. Recipient survival rate and serum creatinine level were similar and acceptable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of multiple renal arteries in the remnant kidney does not have additional negative influence on kidney donors after kidney donation.

Roles of CatSper channels in the pathogenesis of asthenozoospermia and the therapeutic effects of acupuncture-like treatment on asthenozoospermia.

Rationale: Idiopathic asthenozoospermia (iAZS) is one of the major causes of male infertility and has no effective therapeutic treatment. Understanding the potential mechanisms that cause it may be helpful in seeking novel targets and treatment strategies for overcoming the problem of low sperm motility in iAZS individuals. Methods: Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) was utilized to assess the sperm motility. RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and calcium imaging analysis were performed to examine the expression and function of CatSper channels. Hyperactivation and acrosome reaction were used to evaluate the functional characteristics of epididymal sperm. In vivo fertility assay was applied to determine the fertility of rats. CatSper1 knockdown and overexpression experiments were performed to confirm the roles of CatSper channels in the pathogenesis of iAZS and the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment on AZS model rats. Results: Here, we reported a functional down-regulation of CatSper channel from CatSper1 to CatSper 4 in the sperm of both iAZS patients and ornidazole (ORN)-induced AZS model rats, and an impaired sperm function characterized by a reduction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction in the epididymal sperm of AZS rats. Knockdown of CatSper1 in the testis tissues is sufficient to induce AZS in normal rats, and this action was validated by the reversal effects of CatSper1 overexpression. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) and electroacupuncture (EA) at 2 Hz frequency improve the sperm motility via enhancing the functional expression of CatSper channels in the sperm. Gene silencing CatSper1 in the sperm abolishes the therapeutic effects of 2 Hz-EA treatment on AZS rats. Conclusions: We conclude that a functional down-regulation of CatSper channel in the sperm may be a contributor or a downstream indicator for a portion of AZS, especially iAZS, while 2 Hz-TEAS or EA treatment has a therapeutic effect on iAZS through inducing the functional up-regulation of CatSper channels in the sperm. This study provides a novel mechanism for the pathogenesis of some AZS especially iAZS, and presents a potential therapeutic target of CatSper for iAZS treatment. Acupuncture treatment like TEAS may be used as a promising complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy for male infertility caused by iAZS in clinical practice.