[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[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.

[Effect of oxidative damage to human sperm in vitro on mitochondrial tRNa LeuUUR gene].

OBJECTIVE: To study the oxidative damage to human sperm mitochondrial tRNA LeuUUR gene by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro. METHODS: Spermatozoa of normal physiological function selected from semen samples by Percoll gradient centrifugation technique were used as normal sperm models, which were divided into two groups of 20 cases each, a damage group and a control group, the former treated with hypoxanthine xanthine oxidase system and the latter left untreated, both incubated at 37 degrees C in aerobic environment for 60 minutes. Sperm DAN was extracted, and digestion by the enzymes fpg and ligation-mediated PCR ( LM-PCR) was performed to map the damage to mitochondrial tRNA LeuUUR gene. The spermatozoa were labeled with specific fluorescent probe of Rhodamine 123 to measure mitochondrial membrane potential ( MMP) by flow cytometry and observe sperm function. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, after the normal spermatozoa were incubated with ROS, MMP of the spermatozoa significantly decreased ( 116. 27+/-11.72 vs 64.00+/-4. 88) , P <0.05. Digestion by the enzymes fpg and LM-PCR showed damage to mitochondrial tRNA LeuUUR, gene. CONCLUSION: Reactive oxygen species may inflict oxidative damage on sperm mitochondrial tRNA LeuUUR gene and thus affect sperm function ( as shown by significant decrease in MMP), resulting in infertility.

[Papillary cystadenocarcinoma in a Müllerian duct cyst: report of a case with literature review].

OBJECTIVE: To study the diagnosis and treatment of Müllerian duct cysts and their involvement with malignancy. METHODS: A 44-year-old male patient with papillary cystadenocarcinoma involving a Müllerian duct cyst was presented. The presentation treatment, and pathological and radiological appearances were retrospectively analysed and discussed with literature review. The main manifestation was intermittent episode of hemospermia accompanying terminal hematuria and infertility for 15 years. Final diagnosis was determined by the findings of transrectal ultrasound scan, CT scan, MRI imaging, cystoscopic examination and biopsy. RESULTS: Exploratory laparotomy was performed through a suprapubic retrovesical approach. The finding that a duct-like wedge of tumor tissue passed through the prostate near cyst neck to the posterior urethra without affecting the adjacent prostatic tissue during tylectomy confirmed that it arises from Müllerian duct system. Pathohistologic examination disclosed a papillary cystadenocarcinoma and it infiltrated the wall of the cyst. Both seminal vesicles and ejaculatory duct had no carcinoma invasion. CONCLUSION: Müllerian duct cyst involving with malignancy is exceedingly rare, the diagnosis is based on the findings of transrectal ultrasound scan, CT scan, MRI imaging, cystoscopic examination. The final diagnosis depends on the pathohistologic examination. Lumpectomy is effective and have a good outcome.

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.

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.

[Intracavernous pressure responses induced by electrical stimulation of penile dorsal nerves and intracavernosal drug injection in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of intracavernous pressure (ICP) monitoring in the electrophysiologic and pharmacologic induction of penile erection. METHODS: The penile dorsal nerves (DN) of 8 anesthetized adult male rats were isolated and the corpora cavernosa exposed. A heparinized 25-gauge angiocath (intravenous catheter) was inserted into the right corpus cavernosum to monitor the ICP and a 30-gauge needle was inserted into the left corpus cavernosum for intracavernosal drug administration. Penile erection was induced by electrical stimulation of the dorsal nerve (16 Hz frequency, 0.5 ms pulse width, 20 s duration, 4 volts) and intracavernous papaverine hydrochloride injection (0.4 mg). ICP was recorded with the SMUP-PC biological signal process system. RESULTS: In the anesthetized rats, the baseline level of ICP was (12.3 +/- 3.1) mm Hg and the electrical stimulation of the DN significantly increased ICP[(36.4 +/- 2.3) mm Hg, P < 0.05], which slowly returned to baseline pressure after termination of the electrical stimulation. The intravavernosal administration of papaverine also induced a significant increase in ICP [(28.4 +/- 6.1) mm Hg, P < 0.05]. CONCLUSION: ICP monitoring in rats provides a useful scientific tool for in vivo studies of penile erection in experimental rat models. It is of great significance for further studying the physiology of penile erection and the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction as well as for evaluating the efficacy of novel therapies for erectile dysfunction.

[Expression and effect of hCGRP recombinant adeno-associated virus in primary cultured corporal cavernosum smooth muscle cells of the rat in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression and effect of human calcitonin gene-related peptide (hCGRP) gene mediated by recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) in primary cultured corporal cavernosum smooth muscle cells of the rat and explore the possibility of using CGRP gene for gene therapy in erectile dysfunction. METHODS: The primary cultured corporal cavernosum smooth muscle cells of the rat were randomly divided into 4 groups and infected with recombinant virus VssHGCMV-hCGRP, VssHGCMV, VssC-MV-GFP and the untreated, respectively. CGRP-like immunoreactivity was measured by protein dot blot assay in the 24 h-culture medium, and intracellular cAMP and cGMP levels in the cultured cells were also determined using radioimmunoassay to ascertain bioactivity of transduced CGRP. RESULTS: The exogenous gene was transferred into primary corporal cavernosum smooth muscle cells by VssHGCMV-hCGRP infection and efficiently expressed. Compared with the control group, intracellular cAMP level in the cell infected by VssHGCMV-hCGRP was significantly increased (48.7 +/- 1.1 nmol/L vs 7.8 +/- 1.4 nmol/L, P < 0.01), whereas cGMP level remained unchanged in two groups, and CGRP-like immunoreactivity was also detected in the culture medium infected by VssHGCMV- hCGRP. CONCLUSION: The system of secretory expressing bioactive peptide rAAV mediated gene transfer may be used to express efficiently exogenous gene in corporal cavernosum smooth muscle cells and affect cAMP level in the corporal cavernosum smooth muscle cells of the rat.

[Analysis of Yq microdeletions in idiopathic infertile males with azoospermia and oligospermia in Shaanxi Province].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of microdeletions in the long arm of Y chromosome of idiopathic infertile males with azoospermia and oligospermia in Shaanxi province in China and to investigate the relevance of sperm count to Y microdeletion frequencies. METHODS: According to the sequence of sequence-tagged sits (STS) AZFa, AZFb, AZFc and SRY, 4 of the azoospermic factor regions on Y chromosome long-term supplied by GenBank, 5 sets of primers were synthesized. The Y microdeletions in AZF regions were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 64 idiopathic cases of azoospermia and oligospermia and 20 men of known fertility. RESULTS: No microdeletion was detected in the 20 normospermic subjects. Deletion of the AZFc/DAZ was detected in 11 individuals and one patient had both AZFb and AZFc deletion; no deletion of AZFa and SRY region was found. The frequency of Y microdeletions in the subgroups with different sperm count showed the highest value among azoospermic men (3 cases, 21.4%). The percentage progressively decreased with the deletion frequency (20.0%, 17.9% and 8.3%) in the subgroups with sperm counts of < 1 x 10(6)/ml, < (1-5) x 10(6)/ml and < (1 to approximately 10) x 10(6)/ml, respectively. CONCLUSION: Y chromosome microdeletions are specifically associated with severe spermatogenic failure. The rate of deletion involving AZF region of the Y-chromosome is higher in infertile men with azoospermia and oligospermia. PCR amplification of AZF locus is useful for the diagnosis of microdeletions in the Y-chromosome.