Seminal Emission Research Articles

Characteristics of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists-induced ejaculatory dysfunction on spontaneous seminal emission in rats.

Although α1-adrenoceptor (α1-AR) antagonists used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause ejaculation disorders, the aetiology of this adverse event is still controversial. Therefore, we investigated the effects of antagonists with different affinities for α1-AR subtypes on ejaculatory function and their mechanisms of action in normal rats. In the spontaneous seminal emission (SSE) test, systemically administered prazosin, terazosin, tamsulosin and naftopidil decreased the weight of ejaculated seminal material in a dose-dependent manner; the potency order was as follows: tamsulosin > terazosin > prazosin > naftopidil. The selective α1D-AR antagonist BMY7378 had no effect on SSE. Intrathecal tamsulosin and naftopidil did not inhibit SSE. Tamsulosin, the most potent, was ineffective as a single dose and significantly increased seminal vesicle fluid in rats treated for 2weeks but did not significantly change retrograde ejaculation. These results indicated that the difference in inhibitory potency of the five α1-AR antagonists against SSE was due to the involvement of α1A-AR subtypes. Our results further suggested that α1-AR antagonist-induced ejaculatory dysfunction at the peripheral level was mainly due to the loss of seminal emission, although some retrograde ejaculation may also be involved.

Evaluation of Cordyceps militaris steroids as anti-inflammatory agents to combat the Covid-19 cytokine storm: a bioinformatics and structure-based drug designing approach

Since the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, researchers have been working on figuring out ways to tackle multi-organ failure and hyperinflation, which are brought on by a cytokine storm. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein’s cellular receptor, is involved in complicated molecular processes that result in hyperinflammation. Cordyceps militaris is one of the traditional Chinese medicines that is used as an immune booster, and it has exhibited efficacy in lowering blood glucose levels, seminal emissions, and infertility. In the current study, we explored the potential of Cordyceps militaris steroids as key agents in managing the anger of cytokine storm in Covid-19 using network ethnopharmacological techniques and structure-based drug designing approaches. The steroids present in Cordyceps militaris were initially screened against the targets involved in inflammatory pathways. The results revealed that out of 16 steroids, 5 may be effective against 17 inflammatory pathways by targeting 11 pathological proteins. Among the five steroids, beta-sitosterol, Cholest-5-en-3β-ol, 3β, and 7α-Dihydroxycholest-5-ene were found to interact with thrombin (F2), an important protein reported to reduce the severity of inflammatory mediators and Cholest-4-en-3-one was found to target Glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1). The top docked steroid displayed key interactions with both targets, which retained key interactions throughout the 100 ns simulation period. These compounds were also shown high binding free energy scores in water swap studies. Based on obtained results the current study suggests the use of Cordyceps militaris as an add-on therapy that may reduce the progression of inflammatory co-morbidities among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Levosulpiride for premature ejaculation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction PE is diagnosed in the men that have from the first intercourse persistently occurring ejaculation in ≤1 minute of intercourse (lifelong PE) or significantly reduced ejaculation time (≤3 minutes) later in life (acquired PE), failed to delay ejaculation almost all the time of sexual intercourse, and have developed negative personal and mental conditions (e.g., bother, frustration, distress) and eventually sexual avoidance. Upon stimulation, the glans penis relays sensory information to ejaculatory centers (medial preoptic area, paraventricular nucleus, and periaqueductal grey) in the brain, which integrate the peripheral events of the seminal emission, ejaculation, and orgasm. The nucleus paragigantocellularis then modulates the efferent output of dopamine (DA) that inhibits the release of serotonin and ultimately cause ejaculation through D2 receptors. D2 receptor agonists decrease latency time and ejaculatory threshold and increase the frequency of ejaculation in rats. Furthermore, the damage to dopaminergic neurons increased the latency time of ejaculation. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors could be an effective treatment of PE, but they impose adverse side effects. Another approach to PE treatment is the inhibition of DA and/or D2 receptors. Levosulpiride (N-[[(2S)-1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-yl]methyl] 2-methoxy-5-sulfamoylbenzamide) is an antagonist of D2 receptors on the dopaminergic neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system. It has shown therapeutic effects primarily in psychiatric (depression, vertigo and schizophrenia) and motor disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract (gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia and emesis), but also PE. Some previous studies have reported improvements in intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) in men with PE when they were treated with levosulpiride. However, a few studies have reported no significant improvement after levosulpiride treatment. Objectives This review aims to report the efficacy of levosulpiride in the treatment of PE and improvement of IELT. Methods The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched for this review. Randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing levosulpiride with a placebo or other medicine were selected. Results A total of 97 articles were retrieved from the database search, of which only 4 RCTs containing 203 men met the selection criteria. All 4 RCTs were included in the systematic review while only 2 were included in the meta-analysis. A high selection and detection bias was found in both of these studies. The meta-analysis also showed the odds of improving IELT in PE patients using levosulpiride to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to those who used a placebo (OR: 100.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) [13.12-774.90], I2 = 0%). The odds of improving IELT for > 5 min (500% improvement) were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the placebo groups (OR: 38.88, 95% CI [5.12-295.29], I2 = 0%). Furthermore, the odds of improving IELT for > 1 min but < 5 min were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the placebo groups (OR: 32.84, 95% CI [4.15-259.75], I2 = 0%). Conclusion Levosulpiride improved IELT, but even so, limited studies are available on this topic. Additional research is thus required to support the present review's findings. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Clinical Research Progress of Chaihu Longgu Oyster Decoction

Chaihu Longgu Oyster soup is a classic famous recipe, which has the functions of reconciling Shaoyang, clearing Yang and relieving heat, and calming the nerves. It is mainly used to treat the syndrome of evil invading Shaoyang, diffuse Sanjiao, diseases on the outside and inside, and mutual recognition of deficiency and reality. In recent years, the party has been widely applied in various clinical departments, and can be used to treat neurological diseases (insomnia, anxiety, depression, epilepsy), circulatory system (coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, hypertension, cardiac neurosis), digestive system (chronic gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome), endocrine system (diabetes, metabolic syndrome), urogenital system (premature ejaculation, impotence, seminal emission). Surgery (cervical spondylosis, compression fracture, osteoarthritis), obstetrics and gynecology (climacteric syndrome, amenorrhea), pediatrics (infantile tic, febrile convulsion), tinnitus, urticaria and other facial and dermatological diseases. In clinical application, we should grasp the key points of syndrome differentiation, add and subtract with symptoms, which can further expand the scope of application.

“Gathering the Dispersed of Israel”: The Evolution of a Kabbalistic Prayer Addendum for Tiqqun Qeri

AbstractThis article traces the evolution of a kabbalistic prayer supplication that was designed to purify male Jews from pollution caused by improper seminal emission. In doing so, it focuses on the metaphysical rationale behind it, its function, and its metamorphosis from a highly technical practice into a mainstream devotional practice. It addresses how notions of sexual pollution (qeri) were contextualized in Lurianic Kabbalah and how they were later embedded in kabbalistic manuals and prayer books. Furthermore, the article examines Jewish-Christian and inner- Jewish debates that emerged in connection with the effects of spilling semen in vain. Special attention is paid to possible social factors that may have impacted the increased anxiety about male bodily fluids and “misguided” desires. In addition to the available research on the theological and general historical background of the prohibition of wasting seed, the following analysis offers a microhistory of this short yet highly influential text.

In Vitro Contraction of Isolated Cauda Epididymal Duct Smooth Muscle as a Complimentary Approach to Physiological, Pathological, Toxicological, and Pharmacological Studies on Epididymal Function.

Contraction of cauda epididymal duct (CE) smooth muscle is one of the very first events of the seminal emission phase of ejaculation. The contraction of CE smooth muscle is governed by a complex interaction of hormones, autacoids, and by the neurotransmitters released from the epididymal intramural nerve endings, and any impairment in the CE smooth muscle contraction has the potential to impair male fertility. Apart the obvious pathophysiological and toxicological importance of CE smooth muscle contraction, modulation of CE contraction has pharmaceutical interest offering a druggable target to development of drugs to improve/impair male fertility. The in vitro contraction experiments constitute a valuable approach to an in-depth evaluation of functional and molecular changes resulting from pathologies or drug exposure. Therefore, this chapter consists in a description of in vitro pharmacological reactivity contractility of the epididymal duct in a controlled medium, maintained at 30°C of temperature and continuously bubbled with 95% O2 and 5% CO2 to obtain cumulative concentration-response curves that has been fundamental to some of our investigations on epididymal physiology, toxicology, and pharmacology.

Lorcaserin Administration has Pro-Ejaculatory Effects in Rats via 5-HT2C Receptors Activation: A Putative Pharmacologic Strategy to Delayed Ejaculation?

BackgroundLorcaserin is an anti-obesity drug whose weight loss effect results from 5-hydroxytryptamin (5-HT)2C receptors activation. The 5-HT2C receptor was shown to participate in the physiological control of ejaculation, but no data addressing a putative effect of lorcaserin on ejaculation exist. AimTo investigate the effects of lorcaserin in different in vitro and in vivo experimental models of ejaculation in rats. MethodsContractile responses to lorcaserin in rat seminal emission organs in vitro (prostatic and epididymal vas deferens, cauda epididymis, and seminal vesicles), analysis of male rat copulatory behavior, and electromyographic recording of bulbospongiosus muscle in anesthetized animals were studied. Main Outcome MeasuresThe main outcome measures included in vitro contraction of seminal emission organs and evaluation of the male rat copulatory behavior. The male rat sexual behavior in terms of copulation latency, ejaculation latency, mount and intromission frequency, and ejaculation frequency of sexually experienced adult male rats with a receptive female were also recorded. ResultsLorcaserin (1.0 nM to 1.0 mM) had no significant effects on the in vitro contractility of seminal emission organs smooth muscle (cauda epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles). On the other hand, lorcaserin administration (0.3–1.0 mg/kg, intravenous) induced ejaculation in anesthetized rats, which was prevented by the 5-HT2C-selective antagonist SB 242084 (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg, intravenous). Single-dose treatment of non-anesthetized male rats with lorcaserin (1.0, 4.0, or 10 mg/kg, per os) induced non-copulating ejaculations in sexually naïve rats. Lorcaserin also had pro-ejaculation effects by decreasing the ejaculation threshold of copulating rats by half. The pro-ejaculatory effects of lorcaserin were reversible as the ejaculation threshold of treated rats recovered after a 1-week washout period. Clinical ImplicationsDue to its reported clinical safety, repurposing lorcaserin for the treatment of delayed ejaculation may be suggested. Strengths & LimitationsThe pro-ejaculatory effect of lorcaserin administration and the role of 5-HT2C were demonstrated in different experimental models of ejaculation in rats. The lack of studies in putative experimental models of delayed ejaculation is a limitation of this study. ConclusionOur results demonstrate that the clinically approved 5-HT2C agonist lorcaserin is a strong facilitator of ejaculation in rats.de Almeida Kiguti LR, Pacheco TL, Antunes E, et al. Lorcaserin Administration has Pro-Ejaculatory Effects in Rats via 5-HT2C Receptors Activation: A Putative Pharmacologic Strategy to Delayed Ejaculation? J Sex Med 2020;17:1060–1071.

A patient with glycogen storage disease type Ia combined with chronic hepatitis B infection: a case report

BackgroundGlycogen storage disease type I (GSD I), also known as von Gierk disease, is a metabolic disorder leading to the excessive accumulation of glycogen and fat in organs, characterized by hepatomegaly, hypoglycemia, lactic acidemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, puberty delay and growth retardation, which can be indicated by height, weight, blood glucose and blood lipids.Case presentationHere we present a 16-year-old male patient with GSD Ia complicated with hepatic adenoma and combined with hepatitis B. As a chronic hepatitis B patient, the patient was admitted to hospital in order to further clarify the nature of hepatic space occupancy because of suspicion of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the imaging studies did not support hepatocellular carcinoma certainly. And by tracing his clinical history, we suggested that he might suffer from GSD I. Finally the diagnosis was confirmed by MRI (Gd-EOB-DTPA), liver biopsy and whole exome sequencing (WES).The WES discovered a homozygous point mutation at the exon 5 of G6PC gene at 17th chromosome, c.G648 T (p.L216 L, NM_000151, rs80356484). This pathogenic mutation causes CTG changing to CTT at protein 216. Though both codons encode leucine, this silent mutation creates a new splicing site 91 bp downstream of the authentic splice site. According to previous research, this mutation is a disease causal variant for GSD Ia, and has a high frequency among GSD patients in China and Japan.This patient was finally diagnosed as GSD Ia complicated with hepatic adenoma and combined with chronic hepatitis B, and received corn starch therapy immediately after GSD was suspected.After receiving corn starch therapy, the height and weight of the patient were increased, and the secondary sexual characteristics were developed, including beard, pubic hair and seminal emission. Unexpectedly, the liver adenomas were still increasing, and we did not find any cause to explain this phenomenon.ConclusionThis patient was diagnosed as GSD Ia combined with chronic hepatitis B, who responded to corn starch intervention. For childhood patients with hypoglycaemia, hyperlipidemia, puberty delay and growth retardation, GSD should be considered. Gene sequencing is valuable for the quick identification of GSD subtypes.

Comparison of the Effects of Tadalafil and α1-Adrenoceptor Antagonists on Spontaneous Seminal Emission and Electrical Field Stimulation-Induced Seminal Vesicle Contraction in Rats

BackgroundAlthough numerous reports have shown that α1-adrenoceptor (α1-AR) antagonists, which are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can cause ejaculatory disorders, few studies have investigated whether the phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor tadalafil has such adverse effects. In this study, we compared the effects of tadalafil and α1-AR antagonists on seminal emission and their mechanisms of action. AimTo evaluate in normal rats the possible effects of tadalafil on spontaneous seminal emission (SSE) and seminal contraction evoked by hypogastric nerve stimulation. MethodsMale Sprague-Dawley rats were used. To assess SSE, plastic corsets were fitted around the thorax and upper abdomen of male Sprague–Dawley rats to prevent genital autogrooming. Rats were treated orally with tadalafil or an α1-AR antagonist (silodosin, naftopidil, or tamsulosin) for 3 days and housed in wire-bottomed cages. Ejaculatory plugs dropped on the bottoms of the cages were counted and weighed. To assess the intraluminal pressure of seminal vesicles, the hypogastric nerve of urethane-anesthetized rats was isolated and electrically stimulated. After stabilization of seminal vesicle contraction, the rats were intravenously administered test drugs. The expression of PDE5, endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS), and neuronal NOS (nNOS) in the seminal vesicle and vas deferens were measured by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Main Outcome MeasureThe number and weight of the ejaculatory plugs produced by corset-fitted rats and the intraluminal pressure of the seminal vesicle were evaluated. ResultsTadalafil did not affect the number or weight of the ejaculatory plugs of corset-fitted rats, whereas all α1-AR antagonists decreased both in a dose-dependent manner. The α1-AR antagonists, but not tadalafil, inhibited the seminal vesicle contraction evoked by electrical stimulation of the hypogastric nerve. The seminal vesicle and vas deferens expressed higher levels of PDE5 and eNOS mRNA and lower levels of nNOS mRNA relative to the urethra. Clinical ImplicationsTadalafil can be a treatment option in cases where there is concern about negative effects on seminal emission. Strengths and LimitationsWe demonstrated different effects of tadalafil and 3 α1-AR antagonists on rat SSE and their mechanisms of action by measuring seminal vesicle contractility in vivo. A limitation is that we used normal rats, not BPH model rats, and so our results might not apply to human BPH patients. ConclusionTadalafil did not inhibit spontaneous seminal emission or electrical field stimulation–induced seminal vesicle contraction in normal rats. The NO–cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway is unlikely to be involved in the inhibition of seminal vesicle contraction in normal rats.Yoshinaga R, Fukui T, Yoshifuji M, et al. Comparison of the Effects of Tadalafil and α1-Adrenoceptor Antagonists on Spontaneous Seminal Emission and Electrical Field Stimulation-Induced Seminal Vesicle Contraction in Rats. J Sex Med 2019;16:680–690.

Piper auritum Kunth (Piperaceae) improves the sexual performance of sluggish male rats through enhancing ejaculation

Ethnopharmacological relevancePiper auritum Kunth is employed as an aphrodisiac in the traditional medicine, but corroborative evidence for such effect is scarce. Aim of the studyThe pro-sexual effect of an aqueous extract of P. auritum and its possible mechanisms were analyzed in two paradigms of male sexual function. Material and methodsEffects of an aqueous extract of P. auritum (PA, single administration) were investigated in the fictive ejaculation, and copulatory behavior paradigms in sexually sluggish male rats. WAY 100635 (antagonist of 5-HT1A receptors), atosiban (antagonist of oxytocinergic receptors), L-NAME (inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase) and baclofen (antagonist of GABAB receptors) were used as pre-treatments in order to investigate the role of different neurotransmitter systems in PA actions. Chemical profile of PA was determined by Gases Chromatography and Ultra Performance Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Masses Spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS). ResultsIn males with retarded ejaculation, PA stimulated ejaculatory behavior and recovered electromyographic activity of pelvic musculature participating in seminal emission and ejaculation. All pre-treatments blocked stimulating effects of PA on the fictive ejaculation; additionally WAY 100635 interfered with PA actions on ejaculatory behavior. Safrol, apigenin dimethylether, myristicin, vaccihein A, sakuranin and sakuranetin flavonoids, were main constituents of PA, with possible participation in its pro-sexual effects. ConclusionsPro-sexual effects of P. auritum elicited at level of ejaculation were mediated by several neurotransmitter systems, among which serotonin and its 5-HT1A receptors play an important role. Present findings support P. auritum reputation as an aphrodisiac, with potential use in delayed ejaculation disorder.

Contraction of Rat Cauda Epididymis Smooth Muscle to α1-Adrenoceptor Activation Is Mediated by α1A-Adrenoceptors.

The cauda epididymis (CE), the site of sperm storage until the ejaculation, is densely innervated by the sympathetic nervous system. Contraction of CE smooth muscle via α1-adrenoceptors (α1-ARs) plays a key role during the seminal emission phase of ejaculation and α1-AR antagonism has been suggested as a nonhormonal and reversible male contraceptive target. Since the α1-AR subtype mediating contraction of rat CE is not known, this study investigates the expression and role of α1-AR subtypes on the proximal and distal rat CE duct contraction to norepinephrine in vitro. Alpha1a, α1b, and α1d transcripts were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in proximal and distal CE segments and α1a and α1d were shown to predominate over α1b The inhibition of [3H]prazosin specific binding to intact CE segments from proximal and distal CE by RS 100329 and 5-methylurapidil (α1A-selective) and BMY 7378 (α1D-selective) showed that α1A- and α1D-ARs are expressed at similar densities. Norepinephrine-induced contractions of CE were competitively antagonized with high affinity by RS 100329 (pKB ≈ 9.50) and 5-methylurapidil (pKB ≈ 9.0) and with low affinity by BMY 7378 (pKB ≈ 7.0) and the α1B-selective L-765,314 (pA2 < 7.0), suggesting contractions are mediated by α1A-ARs. The clinically used α1A/D-ARs antagonist tamsulosin potently (pA2 ≈ 10.0) inhibited the norepinephrine-induced CE contractions. Altogether, our results show that α1A- and α1D-ARs are expressed in the CE duct and α1A-AR is the main subtype mediating contraction to norepinephrine. Our results highlight the importance of α1A-AR in the peripheral control of ejaculation and strengthen the α1A-AR as a target for a nonhormonal approach to male contraception.

Male-Male Mounting Behaviour in Free-Ranging Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana)

An all-male band of golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) was observed for 3 months in the Qinling Mountains of China, in order to collect data on the frequencies and contextual significance of male-male mounting behaviour. Mounts occurred in a variety of affiliative, dominance-related and sexual contexts, which differed depending upon the ages of the males involved. Mounting behaviour in this group was mainly initiated by adults. Juveniles mounted each other in affiliative contexts (during play and prior to grooming). Adult males mounted subadult and juvenile partners in a greater variety of sociosexual contexts (dominance/rank-related interactions; reconciliation following agonistic encounters, and sometimes as a prelude to receiving grooming). However, subadults and juveniles were never observed to mount adults. In one dyad, involving an adult male and a subadult partner, mounting was more frequent and prolonged, and included bouts of deep pelvic thrusting. Two mounts resulted in anal intromissions and, in 1 case, the subadult partner exhibited seminal emission. Given that the study took place during the annual mating peak period of R. roxellana, it is possible that this unusual male-male sexual activity was related to the absence of mating opportunities for those adults that were excluded from 1-male units.

Electroejaculation functions primarily by direct activation of pelvic musculature: Perspectives from a porcine model

Ejaculatory dysfunction is a significant cause of infertility in men that have incurred spinal cord injury or iatrogenic lesions to the sympathetic nerves in the retroperitoneum. For such patients, electroejaculation – whereby a voltage is applied transrectally under general anesthesia – is a highly-effective procedure to obtain ejaculate. At present, however, there remains uncertainty as to the physiological mechanism by which electroejaculation prompts seminal emission in males with neurogenic anejaculation. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to determine, for the first time, whether electroejaculation functions by mimicking a neurophysiological response, or by directly activating local pelvic musculature. Using electroejaculation in a novel porcine model, we monitored the strength of contraction of the internal urethral sphincter (a smooth muscle involved in ejaculation) before and after lesioning its sympathetic innervation with a combination of progressively-worsening surgical and pharmacological insults in three anesthetized boars (46.1 ± 7.4 kg). Importantly, prior to this investigation, we confirmed the comparative structural anatomy of the porcine model to humans through gross dissection and histological analysis of the infrarenal retroperitoneal sympathetic nerves and ganglia in 18 unembalmed boars. Prior to sacrifice, three of these boars underwent functional testing to confirm control of the internal urethral sphincter by the hypogastric nerves. Our results demonstrate that electroejaculation-induced contraction of the internal urethral sphincter was preserved following each progressive neural insult compared to the control state (p > 0.05). In contrast, these same insults resulted in paralysis/paresis of the internal urethral sphincter when its sympathetic innervation was directly stimulated with bipolar electrodes (p < 0.05). Taken together, our results provide the first empirical evidence to suggest that electroejaculation does not initiate ejaculation through neural mechanisms, but rather activates pelvic musculature in an independent and non-physiological manner.

Prevalence and prognostic factor in patients with good therapeutic response in a cohort of 172 patients with the homoeopathic medicine Aranea diadema: A multicentre, open-label, observational study

Aim: To assess the prevalence and prognostic factor of Aranea diadema in a population responding well to Aranea diadema. Material and Methods: It was an open label, multicentric observational study wherein patients having minimum two known symptoms matching with the pathogenesis of Aranea diadema were prescribed the remedy in 6C, 30C, 200C, and 1M potencies. The collected data were presented in terms of descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 6806 cases were enrolled. Out of which a total of 172 cases were analysed, and demographic analysis shows male/female: 109/63; mean age 28.3 years. There were “clinical successes” in 115 cases (67.0%) and no response in 57 (33.1%) cases. The number of symptoms found prevalent in responders included proving (n = 13) and literature (n = 8). Symptoms coming from provings guide homoeopathic practitioners in prescribing their medicines, but should also be confirmed in patients responding well to these medicines. Significantly higher prevalence was observed among responders in respect of six tentatively confirmed symptoms (prevalence): Forgetfulness (0.11), white coated tongue (0.21), epistaxis (0.10), thirstlessness (0.13), seminal emissions (0. 23), and fever (0.12). Conclusion: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of symptoms in a population responding well to Aranea diadema and to compare this with the prevalence of these symptoms in other populations. If a symptom has a higher prevalence in a population responding well to Aranea it indicates the increase of likelihood of a curative action of Aranea when that symptom is present. Our “test”is not meant to diagnose an illness but to increase the accuracy of prescribing Aranea diadema.

The anatomy of the infrarenal lumbar splanchnic nerves in human cadavers: implications for retroperitoneal nerve-sparing surgery.

Injury to the nerves of the aortic- and superior hypogastric plexuses during retroperitoneal surgery often results in significant post-operative complications, including retrograde ejaculation and/or loss of seminal emission in males. Although previous characterizations of these plexuses have done well to provide a basis for understanding the typical anatomy, additional research into the common variations of these plexuses could further optimize nerve-sparing techniques for retroperitoneal surgery. To achieve this, the present study aimed to document the prevalence and positional variability of the infrarenal lumbar splanchnic nerves (LSNs) through gross dissection of 26 human cadavers. In almost all cases, two LSNs were observed joining each side of the aortic plexus, with 48% (left) and 33% (right) of specimens also exhibiting a third joining inferior to the left renal vein. As expected, the position of the LSNs varied greatly between specimens. That said, the vast majority (98%) of LSNs joining the aortic plexus were found to originate from the lumbar sympathetic trunk above the level of the inferior mesenteric artery. It was also found that, within specimens, adjacent LSNs often coursed in parallel. In addition to these nerves, 85% of specimens also demonstrated retroaortic LSN(s) that were angled more inferior compared with the other LSNs (P < 0.05), and exhibited a unique course between the aorta/common iliac arteries and the left common iliac vein before joining the superior hypogastric plexus below the aortic bifurcation. These findings may have significant implications for surgeons attempting nerve-sparing procedures of the sympathetic nerves in the infrarenal retroperitoneum such as retroperitoneal lymphadenectomies. We anticipate that the collective findings of the current study will help improve such retroperitoneal nerve-sparing surgical procedures, which may assist in preserving male ejaculatory function post-operatively.

A Prospective Study to Evaluate Sexual Dysfunction and Enlargement of Seminal Vesicles in Sexually Active Men Treated for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Alpha-blockers

To evaluate sexual dysfunction and enlargement of seminal vesicles in sexually active men who were treated by α1-blockers for benign prostatic hyperplasia and its possible clinical application. This is a prospective cohort study from January 2015 to December 2016. We enrolled sexually active men above the age of 40 years having moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We excluded patients with a history of prostate surgery, suspicious digital rectal examination findings, a serum prostate-specific antigen of >4 ng/dL, and a history of medication with anticholinergic, cholinergic, and diuretic agents. Patients were divided into groups A, B, and C based on the prescription of silodosin 8 mg, tamsulosin 0.4 mg, or alfuzosin 10 mg orally once for LUTS and at 4 and 12 weeks. The mean age was 54.8 years (41-68 years). Twelve weeks of treatment with silodosin, tamsulosin, and alfuzosin resulted in a significant improvement in the total International Prostate Symptom Score and the quality of life score (P <.001). The baseline erectile function scores were 26.4, 27.6, and 28.1, and the baseline overall satisfaction (OS) (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]-OS) scores were 7.1, 8.3, and 8.6 among groups A, B, and C, respectively. After 12 weeks of α1-blockers, the IIEF-erectile function scores were 24.0, 24.7, and 26.2, and the IIEF-OS scores were 6.4, 7.8, and 7.9. All 3 groups demonstrated a statistically significant enlargement of seminal vesicles after 12 weeks' treatment, most significant in group A patients (7.65-14.11 cc, P <.001). Alpha-blockers as silodosin, tamsulosin, and alfuzosin are a safe and effective tool in benign prostatic hyperplasia for improving LUTS and the quality of life. Loss of seminal emission with alpha-blockers appears as the cause of seminal vesicle enlargement. The exact mechanism of these findings needs further clinical and experimental research.

Sexual Knowledge, Sexual Anxieties: Middle-class males in western India and the correspondence inSamaj Swasthya, 1927–53

AbstractThis article examines letters written by young men to the Marathi-language journalSamaj Swasthyaand its editor, R. D. Karve, a major advocate of birth control and sex education in western India. The letters, and Karve's responses to them, constituted perhaps the earliest sex-advice column in Indian print media. We argue here that the correspondence provides a unique vehicle for understanding the forms of sexual knowledge held by middle-class males in mid-twentieth-century India as well as for appreciating their most significant sexual anxieties. The article analyses the concerns expressed in the letters about masturbation and seminal emissions, the nature of the female body and processes of conception, birth control and same-sex sexual practices. It particularly illuminates the ways in which the concept of modern conjugality pervaded the sexual understandings of the young men who wrote to Karve. It thus offers valuable insights into specifically sexual aspects of conjugality and masculinity—aspects that have previously been unexplored.

Absorption and distribution of estradiol from male seminal emissions during mating.

Estradiol-17β (E2) plays critical roles in female maturation, sexual receptivity, ovulation and fertility. In many mammals, contact with males can similarly affect these female parameters, whereas male excretions contain significant quantities of E2. We administered radiolabeled estradiol ([3H]E2) to male mice in doses representing a small fraction of their endogenous E2. These males were paired with sexually receptive females, and radioactivity was traced into the females’ systems. In Experiment 1, males were given [3H]E2 at 24 and 1 h before mating. Male-to-female [3H]E2 transfer intensified with increasing numbers of intromissions and spiked in the uterus after insemination. In Experiment 2, sexually experienced young males received [3H]E2 at 72 and 24 h before mating, and all mated to ejaculation. The copulatory plug deposited in the female reproductive tract contained substantial levels of radioactivity. The uteri, other tissues and blood serum of females displayed radioactivity indicative of E2 transfer. In Experiment 3, radioactivity was observed 3 and 18 h after insemination in the females’ uteri and other tissues, including parts of the brain. In Experiment 4, we observed substantial levels of radioactivity in semen as well as the copulatory plugs retrieved from the females after mating. Transferred E2 could directly affect abundant estrogen receptors in the female reproductive tract without potential metabolism by the liver. Sexually transferred E2 may facilitate uterine preparation for blastocyst implantation. These data converge with several lines of evidence indicating that male-sourced E2 can transfer to proximate females in bioactive form, contributing to various mammalian pheromonal effects.

Adapted Technological Platform for Screening and Identifying Compounds Capable of In vivo Spinal Network-mediated Reflex Ejaculation in Non-anesthetized, Chronic Paraplegic Mice: Evidence of Clonidine-elicited Seminal Emission

Adapted Technological Platform for Screening and Identifying Compounds Capable of In vivo Spinal Network-mediated Reflex Ejaculation in Non-anesthetized, Chronic Paraplegic Mice: Evidence of Clonidine-elicited Seminal Emission

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF GLORIOSA SUPERBA

Gloriosa superba Linn. is an important medicinal plant ( Liliaceae). It is a semi-woody herbaceous branched climber reaching approximately 5 meters height, with brilliant wavy-edged yellow and red flowers 1 . Being native form Indian especially Southern India it is known as glory lily and climbing lily- in English. In the world market glory lily considered as rich source of colchicines and gloriosine 4 . The flower has analgesic, anti-inflammatory potential, antimicrobial, larvicidal potential, antipoxviral potential, antithrombotic potential, antitumor potential, enzyme inhibition potential, and also used in treatment of snake bite, Skin disease, respiratory disorders 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 . Medicinal plants have been used as sources of medicine in virtually all cultures 10, 11 . In recent years, there has been a gradual revival of interest in the use of medicinal plants in developing countries because herbal medicines have been reported safe and without any adverse side effect especially when compared with synthetic drugs. Thus a search for new drugs with better and cheaper substitutes from plant origin is a natural choice. The medicinal values of these plants lie in some chemical substances that produce a definite physiological action on human body 12 . Different parts of G. superba have wide variety of uses especially in traditional system of medicine. The tuber is used for the treatment of bruises and sprains, colic, chronic ulcers, haemorrhoids, cancer, impotence, nocturnal seminal emission, and leprosy and also for including labour pains and abortions 13 . Gloriosa superba also used in wounds, skin related problems, Fever, Inflammation, piles, blood disorders, Uterine contractions, General body toner, Poisoning 14, 15 . Roots are acrid, anthelmintic, antipyretic, bitter, digestive, expectorant, highly poisonous and promoting expulsion of the placenta. Root paste is effective against paralysis, rheumatism, snake bite and insect bites 16 . This plant has gained the importance in medicine in recent years for the production of colchicine in large scale 17 . The aim of this study was to identify and determine the phytochemicals present in G. superba leaves, flowers, seeds and tubers. The main MeOH & dichloromethane extract were isolated and evaluated for anticancer activity. Keywords: Gloriosa superba, MeOH extract, CDCl 2 Extract, anticancer activity