Seminal Vesicle Research Articles

Dietary supplementation with rosemary essential oil improves genital characteristics, semen parameters and testosterone concentration in Barki rams

BackgroundMale reproductive performance is an essential part of sheep production; therefore, the use of natural antioxidants to improve sperm quality and maintain reproductive performance in males is very important. Hence, oral administration of rosemary essential oil (REO) was investigated to improve the fertility rate, including the ultrasonographic testes, epididymal tail and genital glands, as well as semen parameters and testosterone concentration. Sixty animals were splitted into two groups, each with 30 rams; the rosemary group (C + REO) received 2 mg/kg/bw and the control group (C-REO). Ultrasound images and blood samples were collected at 15, 30 and 45 days of the REO treatment.ResultsThe testis and epididymal tail ultrasonographic assessments demonstrated a significant enhancement in the C + REO group compared to the C-REO group. However, the rams in the C + REO group showed significant improvements in the pampini-form plexus, seminal vesicle, Cowper's and prostate genital glands compared to the C-REO group. The data showed that the sperm cell concentration (× 109/ml) and individual motility (%) were significantly improved in the C + REO group. Furthermore, ejaculate volume (ml) in the C + REO group was significantly higher than that in the C-REO group. While the animals treated with REO did not improve live spermatozoa (%), it reduced the abnormalities of spermatozoa (%) compared to the C-REO group. Also, the C + REO group significantly increased the testosterone concentration more than the C-REO group.ConclusionIt can be concluded that supplementation with 2 mg/kg/bw REO improves genital characteristics, semen parameters and testosterone concentration in Barki rams.

Rare Seminal Vesicle Cystadenoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract Introduction/Objective Primary neoplasms of seminal vesicles (SV) are rare, with the majority being metastatic tumors, often from prostatic carcinoma. SV cystadenoma is an exceedingly rare benign epithelial tumor that arises from the remnants of the Mullerian duct. The tumor formed of cysts of variable sizes lined by bland cuboidal epithelium. Herein we present a case of SV cystadenoma in a 38-year-old male, underscoring its rarity and risk of progression to higher grades, as outlined in literature review. Methods/Case Report A 38-year-old male with a history of left atrophic kidney and intermittent pelvic pain due to recurrent obstruction of the SV. Pelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed a 5.3 cm benign unilocular cyst within the SV, along the posterior aspect of the urinary bladder. The patient underwent successful laparoscopic excision of the left SV. Gross examination of the excised SV demonstrated a 3.5X 2.7X 1.5 cm cyst within the SV. Microscopic examination displayed a benign cyst lined by single to multiple layers of cuboidal epithelium, surrounded by unremarkable SV stroma. The epithelial lining cells exhibited round nuclei with inconspicuous nucleoli, lacking dysplasia. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive staining for cytokeratin 7 and PAX 8 in the epithelial cells, whereas prostatic specific antigen staining was negative. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Cystadenoma and mixed epithelial stromal tumors of the SV (MEST) are rare entities, with approximately 30 reported cases. This case demonstrates classic histologic features consistent with low-grade MEST, as per recently proposed grading criteria. Notably, a recent case report has suggested a potential for malignant transformation to high-grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma in SV cystadenoma, as evidenced by focal epithelial dysplasia.

Straightforward, Highly Useful, Innovative and Cost-Effective Method with Potential to Improve Personalized Diagnosis: Sectioning of Prostatectomy Specimen with a Single Blade

Abstract Introduction/Objective There is potential for devices with an adjustable base and a single blade to precisely cut parallel slices of a prostatectomy specimen at a set preferred thickness to improve pathology practice by standardizing the tissue for histological review, allowing for precise punch biopsies of the slices for molecular diagnostics for biobanking and personalized therapy. The current standard method of sectioning the prostate involves serially sectioning the prostatectomy specimen by hand with a sharp long knife, leading to uneven sections. Methods/Case Report A device with an adjustable base was developed at a regional Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) that consists of two sets of multiple, vertically arranged parallel and flat bars measuring 10 cm in height, 1.5 cm in width and 0.3 cm in thickness spaced 0.4 cm from each other, resembling a comb with flat teeth. After inking, orientation, and removal of the seminal vesicles and apex and base margins, the prostatectomy specimen is immobilized between the two combs and sliced in parallel from apex to base to produce parallel consistent prostate slices. The ability to obtain punch biopsies from precise areas of the prostate was reviewed. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) The device results in uniform 4 mm thick oriented smooth specimen slices of good quality with minimal distortion. The device allows for the obtaining of punch biopsies taken at precise locations of the prostate corresponding to specific imaging locations (highly useful for biobanking or obtaining diagnostic tissue for molecular diagnostics for personalized therapy). The adjustable nature of the device and single blade gives the device flexibility in the specimen. Conclusion This device with an adjustable base and single blade allows for safe and precise parallel slicing. This is highly useful obtaining diagnostic standardized tissue, for obtaining biobank specimens and for obtaining material of precise location for molecular studies to guide the personalized therapy of tumors.

CT and MRI radiographic characteristics of seminal vesicle cysts

PurposeSeminal vesicle cysts are relatively uncommon benign lesions. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for guiding appropriate management strategies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiographic characteristics of seminal vesicle cysts in order to enhance the diagnostic proficiency of radiologists. MethodsWe conduct a comprehensive descriptive analysis of the CT and MRI findings pertaining to 15 patients with seminal vesicle cyst, complemented by a brief literature review. ResultThe mean age of 15 patients with seminal vesicle cyst was 57.53 ± 17.0 years. Among these patients, 53.33% (8/15) were incidentally detected, while 40% (6/15) presented with symptoms of abdominal or pelvic pain. One patient exhibited hematospermia. In 86.67% (13/15) of cases, the cysts were unilateral, while the remaining 13.33% (2/15) were bilateral. Radiological assessment comprised CT scans for 7 patients, MRI scans for 12 patients, and a combination of both modalities for 4 patients. Imaging characteristics revealed 11 cases of unilocular cysts and 4 cases of multilocular cysts, with the largest measuring approximately 16.0 × 9.8 cm. CT imaging distinctly demonstrated punctate or nodular calcification along the cyst wall in 3 cases. MRI, on the other hand, facilitated the visualization of cystic contents, including mucinous protein in 9 cases and hemorrhagic components in 2 cases. ConclusionThe radiographic manifestations of seminal vesicle cysts exhibit distinct characteristics, CT and MRI imaging modalities are instrumental in facilitating their accurate diagnosis.

Machine learning and explainable artificial intelligence to predict pathologic stage in men with localized prostate cancer.

Though several nomograms exist, machine learning (ML) approaches might improve prediction of pathologic stage in patients with prostate cancer. To develop ML models to predict pathologic stage that outperform existing nomograms that use readily available clinicopathologic variables. Patients with prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery were identified in the National Cancer Database. Seven ML models were trained to predict organ-confined (OC) disease, extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), and lymph node involvement (LNI). Model performance was measured using area under the curve (AUC) on a holdout testing data set. Clinical utility was evaluated using decision curve analysis (DCA). Performance metrics were confirmed on an external validation data set. The ML-based extreme gradient boosted trees model achieved the best performance with an AUC of 0.744, 0.749, 0.816, 0.811 for the OC, ECE, SVI, and LNI models, respectively. The MSK nomograms achieved an AUC of 0.708, 0.742, 0.806, 0.802 for the OC, ECE, SVI, and LNI models, respectively. These models also performed the best on DCA. Findings were consistent on both a holdout internal validation data set as well as an external validation data set. Our ML models better predicted pathologic stage relative to existing nomograms at predicting pathologic stage. Accurate prediction of pathologic stage can help oncologists and patients determine optimal definitive treatment options for patients with prostate cancer.

Interleukin-1 Beta (IL1B) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF): Key Players in Rabbit Reproductive Regulation.

Several seminal plasma components, besides NGF, are implicated as ovulation-inducing factors in mammals. This study investigated the IL1B and its receptor IL1R1 in the testis (T), male accessory glands, prostate (P) and seminal vesicles (SV), and uterus (U) of adult rabbits using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). We also assessed the presence of IL1B in seminal plasma through Western blotting (WB) and examined the interaction between IL1B and NGF in vitro by measuring their production with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the presence of NGF and IL1B alone or with their respective receptor antagonists. IHC revealed IL1B system expression in all reproductive organs studied, with IL1B and IL1R1 localized to the germinative epithelium of the T and the epithelial cells of the accessory glands and U. IL1B gene transcript levels were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the P and SV compared to the T, while IL1R1 levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the P compared to the other tissues, while IL1R1 levels were three times higher (p < 0.001) in the P. WB confirmed the presence of IL1B in seminal plasma with a 30-35 kDa band. The in vitro study demonstrated that IL1B increased (p < 0.05) basal NGF production in the U, whereas NGF had no effect on IL1B production. These findings provide evidence of the expression of the IL1B/IL1R1 system in both male and female rabbit reproductive tracts and suggest that IL1B in seminal plasma may influence uterine endocrine activity. The results propose a potential role for IL1B in ovulation, in conjunction with NGF, supporting that ovulation may involve inflammatory-like processes.

Neurogenic-derived 6-nitrodopamine is the most potent endogenous modulator of the mouse urinary bladder relaxation

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) modulates vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and corpus cavernosum contractility; however, its role on the lower urinary tract organs has not been evaluated. Investigations of isolated urinary bladders from wild-type (WT) mice revealed 6-ND release was comparable to that of dopamine and adrenaline, whereas noradrenaline was hardly detected, as assessed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. In vitro, 6-ND induced concentration-dependent relaxations in carbachol pre-contracted bladders with high potency (pEC50: 8.04 ± 0.86), independently of eNOS/sGC activity. Co-incubation of 6-ND (1–10 μM) antagonizes the contractile effects of acetylcholine (p < 0.05). Experiments using nitric oxide synthase (NOS) knockout mice demonstrated that 6-ND release from isolated urinary bladder was significantly reduced by neuronal NOS (nNOS−/−) deletion and abolished by triple NOSs deletion (n/i/eNOS−/−), while no significant changes were observed in endothelial (eNOS−/−) or inducible (iNOS−/−) knockout mice. Incubation with tetrodotoxin resulted in a significant decrease in 6-ND release in bladders obtained from WT, but not in nNOS−/− mice. The bladders from nNOS−/− and n/i/eNOS−/− mice exhibited significantly higher contractile responses to electric field stimulation (EFS), compared to eNOS−/−, iNOS−/−, or WT bladders. The hyperreactivity observed in triple NOS knockouts was reversed by the incubation with bladder mucosal layer obtained from a donor WT mice, but not with the muscular layer. These findings clearly demonstrate 6-ND is the most potent endogenous relaxing agent of urinary bladder, and inhibition of its release is associated with bladder hyperreactivity.

Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects of Abelmoschus esculentus and Alchornea cordifolia in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats

BackgroundAbelmoschus esculentus and Alchornea cordifolia are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat several diseases. Abelmoschus esculentus is used to treat infertility and menorrhagia, while Alchornea cordifolia is used for the treatment of venereal diseases, cough, and diarrhoea. However, very few studies assessed the antidiabetic effects of these plants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effects of aqueous extract of A. esculentus fruits and A. cordifolia leaves. Material and MethodsFresh Abelmoschus esculentus fruits and the powder from the dried leaves of Alchornea cordifolia leaves were prepared by maceration in the aqueous phase (200g/100mL and 50g/100mL respectively) for 24 hours, then filtered and concentrated in an oven at 45°C. Diabete was induced to male Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg, b.w). Rats with a blood glucose level greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL were selected, divided into groups and were daily administered orally with either aqueous extracts of A. esculentus at 30 mg/kg (AEAE30) or A. cordifolia at 400 mg/kg (AEAC400) for 14 consecutive days. For comparison, acarbose (100 mg/kg), glibenclamide (5 mg/kg), and metformin (500 mg/kg) were administered orally as reference drugs. Moreover, insuline was also used as a positive control and administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 5 IU/kg. Then, blood glucose levels, oral glucose tolerance test, oral maltose tolerance club, body weight and hemoglobin were assessed. For evaluation of the aqueous extracts in the intestinal transit, imodium (2 mg/kg, p.o) and fructine (5 mg/kg, p.o) were used as a positive control to determine the spasmolytic and laxative activities, respectively. The histopathological study of the liver, kidney, pancreas, testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle was also carried out using the hematoxyline & eosin (H&E) technique. ResultsAEAE30 and AEAC400 significantly reduced (P<0.001) fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels and significantly prevented (P<0.001) postprandial glycemia in AI-db rats following oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and oral maltose tolerance test (OMTT) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (AI-db). In normoglycemic and insulin-resistant (IR) rats, AEAE30 significantly prevented the post-prandial blood glucose level during the OGTT (P<0.01) only in normoglycemic rats. At the end of treatment, AEAE30 significantly reduced the relative weight of the liver (P<0.01) and significantly increased (P<0.001) the relative weight of the testes and pancreas while AEAC400 significantly increased the relative weight of the testes compared to untreated AI-db rats. The histopathological study revealed a restoration of alloxan-induced tissue damage close to the normal control group in AI-db animals treated with plant extracts, as well as an increase in sperm density in the epididymis unlike in the untreated AI-db group. ConclusionThese findings suggested that AEAE and AEAC exhibited hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities and could be therefore a useful source of antidiabetic agent.

Clinical case of 45,X/46,XY mosaic male with ejaculatory disorder associated with seminal vesicle dysplasia: a case report

Abstract Introduction 45,X/46,XY mosaicism is a rare anomaly in sexual differentiation, presenting with diverse phenotypes and often leading to infertility due to abnormal gonadal development. Aims This report aims to present a case study of a 45,X/46,XY mosaic male patient with an ejaculatory disorder attributed to seminal vesicle dysplasia. Methods In this case study, diagnostic procedures encompassed blood tests, semen analysis, chromosomal examination, and imaging studies to assess gonadal morphology. Treatment strategies included attempted varicocelectomy, pharmacological intervention with amoxapine, and surgical testicular sperm extraction. Additionally, the patient underwent assisted reproductive techniques, specifically intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), to facilitate pregnancy for his wife. Results A 32-year-old man could not ejaculate, with post-orgasmic urinalysis revealing minimal sperm presence. Chromosomal analysis confirmed 45,X/46,XY mosaicism. Despite undergoing microsurgical varicocelectomy for clinical varicocele and receiving tricyclic antidepressants, no improvement in semen volume occurred. Imaging studies indicated ejaculatory disorder due to prostate and seminal vesicle aplasia. Consequently, surgical retrieval of testicular sperm was performed, leading to successful pregnancy via ICSI for his wife. Conclusion Our approach has effectively addressed ejaculatory disorder in 45,X/46,XY mosaic men, resulting in successful pregnancy.

The urinary tract reconstruction in a robot-assisted surgery for rectal malignancy with combined prostate and seminal vesicle resection.

In certain cases of rectal malignancy in which invasion is confined to the prostate and/or seminal vesicles, bladder-sparing surgery may be chosen instead of total pelvic exenteration. However, even if the bladder is preserved, postoperative urinary dysfunction and vesicourethral anastomotic leakage are concern. We employ various techniques based on robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for reconstructing the urinary tract. These techniques include advanced reconstruction of vesicourethral support, total anatomical reconstruction, and a method called anterior reconstruction. In addition, suture fixation of bladder to the anterior abdominal wall, and re-approximation of bladder by peritoneal suture were done. Reliable robot-assisted vesicourethral anastomosis and reinforcement of the anastomotic wall could potentially enhance the self-voiding rate and decrease the risk of anastomotic failure.

Differential abundance of microRNAs in seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) in Sahiwal cattle bull related to male fertility.

Sahiwal cattle, known for their high milk yield, are propagated through artificial insemination (AI) using male germplasm, largely contingent on semen quality. Spermatozoa, produced in the testes, carry genetic information and molecular signals essential for successful fertilization. Seminal plasma, in addition to sperm, contains nano-sized lipid-bound extracellular vesicles (SP-EVs) that carry key biomolecules, including fertility-related miRNAs, which are essential for bull fertility. The current study focused on miRNA profiling of SP-EVs from high-fertile (HF) and low-fertile (LF) Sahiwal bulls. SP-EVs were isolated using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Western blotting detected the EV-specific protein markers TSG101 and CD63. The DLS analysis showed SP-EV sizes of 170-180nm in HF and 130-140nm in LF samples. The NTA revealed particle concentrations of 5.76 × 1010 to 5.86 × 1011 particles/mL in HF and 5.31 × 1010 to 2.70 × 1011 particles/mL in LF groups, with no significant differences in size and concentration between HF and LF. High-throughput miRNA sequencing identified 310 miRNAs in SP-EVs from both groups, with 61 upregulated and 119 downregulated in HF bull. Further analysis identified 41 miRNAs with significant fold changes and p-values, including bta-miR-1246, bta-miR-195, bta-miR-339b, and bta-miR-199b, which were analyzed for target gene prediction. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that these miRNAs target genes involved in transcription regulation, ubiquitin-dependent endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) pathways, and signalling pathways. Functional exploration revealed that these genes play roles in spermatogenesis, motility, acrosome reactions, and inflammatory responses. qPCR analysis showed that bta-miR-195 had 80% higher expression in HF spermatozoa compared to LF, suggesting its association with fertility status (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study elucidates the miRNA cargoes in SP-EVs as indicators of Sahiwal bull fertility, highlighting bta-miR-195 as a potential fertility factor among the various miRNAs identified.

Prospective selective embedding of radical prostatectomy specimens is not inferior to full embedding regarding established and new prognostic parameters.

The histopathological examination of radical prostatectomy specimens is essential for assessing critical tumor characteristics, including stage, grade, and margins, all of which impact patient prognosis. However, the extent of embedding the prostate has long been a subject of debate, with some advocating partial/selective embedding and others favoring complete embedding. This study establishes a standardized and time-efficient protocol for processing radical prostatectomy specimens with limited embedding while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. Two hundred twenty-six prostatectomy specimens were analyzed, and the results of a highly standardized selective embedding protocol, systematically embedding the apex, the base, the transition to the seminal vesicles, and selected horizontal sections, were compared with full embedding as the gold standard. Non-inferiority testing was conducted by one-sided binomial tests and Pearson-Clopper confidence intervals. Selective embedding provided consistent and accurate diagnostic information with up to 90-98% concordance in pT, margins, ISUP-grade groups, and presence of IDC-P and cribriform tumor growth. In summary, this study establishes an economical standardized protocol for selective embedding of radical prostatectomy specimens with only minimal loss of information.

Mapping transcriptomic profiles of seminal vesiculitis and experimental verification

ObjectiveSeminal vesiculitis is a prevalent infectious disease in the genitourinary system, but its intrinsic pathogenesis and molecular features remain unclear. MethodsIn this study, we utilized next-generation sequencing technology to demonstrate the transcriptomic landscapes of clinical specimens from seminal vesiculitis patients. We identified enriched Go Ontology terms, pathway maps, processes, toxicity, and metabolic networks. ResultsGlutathione transferase activity is highly enriched, indicating its essential role in the disease's development. Furthermore, we established inflammation models of the seminal vesicle and validated the crucial function of glutathione transferase activity in these models, ConclusionOur results provide a robust platform for further intensive studies of seminal vesiculitis.

Head-to-head comparison of GA-68 PSMA PET/CT and multiparametric MRI findings with postoperative results in preoperative locoregional staging and localization of prostate cancer.

Accurate staging of prostate cancer (PCa) is essential for determining the appropriate treatment and predicting outcomes. This study is comparing the effectiveness of Gallium-68 Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in preoperative locoregional staging and localizing PCa. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 78 patients who underwent both mpMRI and Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT scans before surgery. The imaging was reviewed by radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists and compared with the final histopathology, which was reviewed by an experienced uropathologist. mpMRI demonstrated higher sensitivity in detecting extraprostatic extension (EPE) and bladder neck invasion (BNI) compared to Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT (83% vs. 44% and 29% vs. 17%, respectively). Conversely, Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT showed higher sensitivity in detecting seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) (75% vs. 55% and 50% vs. 30%, respectively). When both methods were combined, sensitivity increased in detecting both EPE and SVI. The index tumor localization in mpMRI and Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT was found to be in complete agreement with histopathological findings at 36.4% and 41.8%, respectively. When both imaging methods were combined, the agreement with histopathology in predicting index tumor localization reached 72.1%. Both mpMRI and Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT provide valuable and complementary information for tumor localization and locoregional staging. While mpMRI showed higher sensitivity in detecting EPE, Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT demonstrated superior performance in detecting LNM and SVI. The combined use of these imaging modalities enhance accuracy of index tumor localizations.

Aphrodisiac activity of aqueous extract of Anthonotha macrophylla (P. Beauv) leaves in paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction male Wistar rats

Ethno-pharmacological relevanceAnthonotha macrophylla, a plant with extensive ethnomedicinal uses, has various parts attributed to healing properties. The bark is claimed to be used to treat venereal diseases while the roots are used to treat intestinal discomfort. Gum extract from the bark provides pain relief, while the leaves are used for treating gonorrhoea, diarrhoea, and malaria. Additionally, the leaves are believed to enhance sexual behaviour. Although the age-long folkloric use of Anthonotha macrophylla leaf as aphrodisiac in female rats was substantiated with scientific evidence, the study did not account for the aphrodisiac activity in paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rat model. Aim of the studyThis study investigated the aphrodisiac activity of aqueous extract of Anthonotha macrophylla leaves (AEAML) in paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction male rats (PISDMR). Materials and methodsForty-two male rats (144.86 ± 1.21 g) were assigned into six groups (A-F). Group A received distilled water only, while PISDMR in Groups B, C, D, E and F received distilled water, 7.14 mg/kg body weight of sildenafil citrate (reference drug), 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of AEAML once daily for 7 days. Data were analyzed using a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc test at a 5% level of significance after the determination of male sexual behaviour parameters and associated biochemical indices. ResultsAEAML contained 8 mineral elements and 14 amino acids; potassium (368.24 mg/100g) and glycine (352.70 mg/100g) were the most abundant while cadmium (0.01 mg/100g) and histidine (0.70 mg/100g) were the least. Administration of paroxetine prolonged/increased (p < 0.05) the mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), post-ejaculatory interval (PEI), and lowered/reduced (p < 0.05) the mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF) and ejaculation frequency (EF). Paroxetine also decreased the weight of the caudal epididymis, seminal vesicle, ventral prostate, and testis, levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), dopamine, acetylcholine (ACH), nitric oxide (NO), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and increased the levels of serotonin, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), phosphodiesterase V (PDE V) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of the animals. In contrast, AEAML significantly (p < 0.05) lowered/reduced the paroxetine-induced related increases in the ML, IL, EL, PEI, and prolonged/increased (p < 0.05) the paroxetine-induced related decreases in the MF, IF and EF. The AEAML also reversed (p < 0.05) the paroxetine-induced related decreases in the weight of the caudal epididymis, seminal vesicle, ventral prostate, testis, levels of DHT, testosterone, LH, FSH, dopamine, ACH, NO, cGMP and the paroxetine-induced related increases in the levels of serotonin, GABA, PDE V and AChE. ConclusionAEAML contains aphrodisiac bioactive agents that can be explored as drug lead for MSD.

Clinical and radiological characteristics of mediastinal melioidosis: A four-year retrospective cohort from Sabah, Malaysia

BackgroundMelioidosis is a potentially fatal tropical infection. Little is known about mediastinal involvement in melioidosis. This study aimed to (a) describe the prevalence and demographics of various morphologies of mediastinal melioidosis, (b) propose a classification for radiological morphologies of mediastinal melioidosis. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed. Case records of consecutive patients with culture-positive melioidosis who underwent computed tomography (CT) thorax from January 1, 2018–February 28, 2022, were reviewed. Results486 culture-positive melioidosis patients were identified, of which 70 underwent CT thorax. 41 patients demonstrating mediastinal involvement were included in the final analysis, of which four were mediastinal collections, while the rest were classified into those with necrotic or matted appearances, and subcentimeter and larger than 1 cm. Culture-positivity was proven from blood in 83 % of patients (n = 34), with the remaining from chest wall pus, neck abscess pus, sputum, liver abscess, seminal vesicle, pleural, pericardial and peritoneal fluid. The most commonly associated pulmonary manifestations were consolidation and pleural effusion. Half had diabetes; a quarter had chronic kidney disease, while one had syphilis. Exposure to soil was present in six patients: quarry (n = 1), construction (n = 2), farmer (n = 1), living environment (n = 2). Seven patients succumbed before the end of 6-week intensive phase antibiotic treatment. ConclusionMediastinal melioidosis is a spectrum with multiple overlapping features consisting of necrosis, matted lymph nodes, multiseptated and non-septated collections. Further studies will elucidate the prognostic implications of mediastinal melioidosis.

Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from Human Seminal Plasma.

Seminal extracellular vesicles (SemEVs) are repositories of biomolecules, including metabolites involved in the regulation of sperm function. The correlation between the metabolite profile of SemEVs and semen parameters, along with their role in regulating sperm function, is an unexplored area. This preliminary study evaluated the metabolomic content of SemEVs. Semen samples were obtained from 18 healthy men, and SemEVs were extracted from seminal plasma using the size exclusion chromatography qEV Gen 2-35 nm column coupled with an automatic fraction collector. The physical characterization of SemEVs was carried out with the ZetaView PMX-430-Z QUATT laser system. EV protein markers were detected using Western blot. In addition, these SemEVs were used for metabolomic profiling and functional bioinformatic analysis. The mean concentration of isolated SemEVs was 1.7 ± 1.1 × 1011/mL of seminal plasma, whereas SemEVs size and zeta potential were 129.5 ± 5.5 nm and -40.03 ± 3.99 mV, respectively. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of EV specific markers such as CD81, ALIX, and TSG101. A total of 107 metabolites were identified using this untargeted metabolomic approach in SemEVs. Bioinformatics analysis further revealed that metabolites associated with tyrosine metabolism were highly enriched in these SemEVs. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) also indicated that these metabolites present in SemEVs were involved in the regulation of the free radical scavenging pathway. Furthermore, our metabolomic results suggest that these SemEV-associated metabolites may play a pivotal role in the maintenance of seminal plasma redox homeostasis.

Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System of Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps).

The present study provides a detailed macroscopic examination (with some microscopic insights) of the genital apparatus of seven adult and intact male sugar gliders, as well as one castrated individual. The scrotum is pendulous and attached to the ventral abdominal wall, situated in the caudal part of the abdomen and cranial to the cloacal opening. The testes are oval shaped with their long axes oriented vertically. The epididymides are attached along the caudomedial border of their respective testes. The head and tail of the epididymides are in close proximity to the poles of the testes but are not directly attached. The deferent ducts are positioned laterally to their ipsilateral ureter as they run near the dorsal surface of the urinary bladder. The ampulla of the deferent duct is absent. The penis is located post-scrotally, lacks insertion into the bony pelvis, and has a bifid distal end. The crura of the penis originate within the ischiocavernosus muscles, and there are two bulbs of the penis. When flaccid, the entire penis is concealed in the perineal region and externalizes through an orifice situated in the ventral part of the cloaca, traversing its floor towards the cloacal opening. The urethral external orifice is positioned at the point where the bifurcation of the free part of the penis begins. The prostate gland resides in the pelvic cavity and consists of two parts: a macroscopically visible body surrounding the urethra and a microscopically identifiable portion embedded within the walls of the duct. Sugar gliders possess two pairs of bulbous bulbourethral glands, located dorsally and laterally to the rectum, but lack vesicular glands.

Paternal undernutrition and overnutrition modify semen composition and preimplantation embryo developmental kinetics in mice

BackgroundThe importance of parental diet in relation to eventual offspring health is increasing in prominence due to the increased frequency of parents of reproductive age consuming poor diets. Whilst maternal health and offspring outcome have been studied in some detail, the paternal impacts are not as well understood. A father’s poor nutritional status has been shown to have negative consequences on foetal growth and development and ultimately impact the long-term adult health of the offspring. In this study, we examined sperm- and seminal vesicle fluid-mediated mechanisms of preimplantation embryo development alterations in response to sub-optimal paternal diets.ResultsMale mice were fed a diet to model either under (low-protein diet (LPD)) or over (high-fat/sugar ‘Western’ diet (WD)) nutrition, LPD or WD supplemented with methyl donors or a control diet (CD) before mating with age-matched females. Male metabolic health was influenced by WD and MD-WD, with significant changes in multiple serum lipid classes and hepatic 1-carbon metabolites. Sperm RNA sequencing revealed significant changes to mRNA profiles in all groups when compared to CD (LPD: 32, MD-LPD: 17, WD: 53, MD-WD: 35 transcripts). Separate analysis of the seminal vesicle fluid proteome revealed a significant number of differentially expressed proteins in all groups (LPD: 13, MD-LPD: 27, WD: 24, MD-WD: 19) when compared to control. Following mating, in vitro time-lapse imaging of preimplantation embryos revealed a significant increase in the timing of development in all experimental groups when compared to CD embryos. Finally, qPCR analysis of uterine tissue at the time of implantation identified perturbed expression of Cd14 and Ptgs1 following mating with WD-fed males.ConclusionsOur current study shows that paternal nutritional status has the potential to influence male metabolic and reproductive health, impacting on embryonic development and the maternal reproductive tract. This study highlights potential direct (sperm-mediated) and indirect (seminal vesicle fluid-mediated) pathways in which a father’s poor diet could shape the long-term health of his offspring.

Neuroendocrine Tumor Developing in the Rectal Mesentery: A Case Who Had Surgery Due to Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Tumor 13 Years Ago

In the gastrointestinal tract, Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) are most observed in the appendix. This study aims to present a 51-year-old male patient diagnosed with NET in rectal mesentery. In 2009, appendiceal NET was diagnosed after appendectomy. Then, a total mesocolonic right hemicolectomy was performed. In the examination conducted in June 2022, a mass lesion was detected on the right side of the pelvis, posterior to the seminal vesicle and anterolateral to the rectum, within the rectal mesentery. Diagnosis of NET was made with a transabdominal biopsy, and then an operation decision was made. The perioperative frozen section confirmed that the mass lesion was a NET with clean surgical margins. In patients with large tumor sizes or high-grade NET, postoperative treatment is continued with chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. The patient was administered chemotherapy after surgery and was followed up in the outpatient clinic.