Testis Volume Research Articles

Sex Hormone Profile in Pubertal Boys With Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia.

Gynecomastia (defined by proliferation of glandular elements) and pseudogynecomastia (defined by adipose tissue) are frequent in pubertal boys. An association with sex hormones and the growth hormone axis has been discussed. The objective of this work is to compare sex hormones, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) between boys with gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia (separation by ultrasound). An observational study was performed. The setting of this study was an outpatient clinic. A total of 124 pubertal boys (mean age 14 ± 2 years) with breast enlargement and 84 healthy boys (mean age 14 ± 2 years) without breast enlargement participated in this study. No interventions were performed. Measurements were taken for sex hormones (progesterone, estradiol [E2], estriol, estrone, androstendione, testosterone [T], dihydrotestosterone) measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, as well as gonadotropins, prolactin, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3. Eighty-six boys suffered from gynecomastia and 38 from pseudogynecomastia. In boys with gynecomastia, the E2/T ratio (median 22, interquartile range [IQR] 8-75) was significantly (P < .05) higher compared to boys with pseudogynecomastia (median 12, IQR 5-21) or healthy controls without breast enlargement (median 18, IQR 6-44) even after adjustment for testes volume. T concentrations were significantly (P < .05) lower in boys with gynecomastia (median 1.8, IQR 0.7-4.2 nM/L) compared to boys with pseudogynecomastia (median 4.3, IQR 1.4-6.9 nM/L) or healthy controls without breast enlargement (median 3.1, IQR 0.6-7.6 nM/L). Boys with gynecomastia did not differ from boys with pseudogynecomastia according to other sex hormones, prolactin, IGF-1, or IGFBP-3 concentrations. True gynecomastia is characterized by a relative T deficiency to E2 concentrations in contrast to pseudogynecomastia.

The effect of orcidopexy on increasing testicular volume in undescended testis

Undescended Testis (UDT), a common congenital urological abnormality, which is one of the causes of male infertility. Testicular volume in UDT is significantly smaller than normal testicles. After orchidopexy procedure, testicular volume is expected to increase significantly. The subjects of the study were patients with a diagnosis of UDT palpable which was divided into 2 groups of 0-2 years and over 2 years. Assessment of testicular volume using ultrasound performed before and after surgery. The average age of patients is 6.56±4.248years with the age group 0-2 years are 6 or 20% and> 2 years are 35 or 80%. In the 0-2 years age group, the percentage change in left testicular volume has an average of 14.07 ± 10.590%. In the age group> 2 years, the percentage change in volume of the left testis has an average of 3.19 ± 2.626% with p value = 0.009. In the age group 0-2 years, the percentage change in right testicular volume has an average of 13.25 ± 4.792%. In the age group> 2 years, the percentage change in the volume of the right testis has an average of 5.91 ± 7.012% with p value = 0.042. There is a significant correlation between testicular volume before and after orchidopexy surgery. And changes in testicular volume in the 0-2years age group were more significant than changes in testicular volume in the age group> 2 years

Which case is best for scrotal incision as the initial surgical approach in unilateral non-palpable testis?

Approximately 50-70% of unilateral non-palpable testis are vanishing testis and almost all are located in the scrotum. Laparoscopy has been performed increasingly as the initial procedure for management of unilateral non-palpable testis, but is unnecessary except in the minority of intra-abdominal testis. The aim of this prospective study is to examine validity of the initial scrotal incision when unilateral non-palpable testes show contralateral testicular hypertrophy and palpable intra-scrotal nubbin. We prospectively enrolled 21 patients with unilateral non-palpable testes which confirmed by palpation under general anesthesia at our institute between May 2016 and April 2019. Contralateral testicular length and volume were measured with ultrasonography. A testicular length > 1.6 cm or testis volume > 1.0 ml was considered contralateral testicular hypertrophy. In cases where unilateral non-palpable testes show contralateral testicular hypertrophy and palpable intra-scrotal nubbin, the initial scrotal incision were performed. Of the 21 patients with unilateral non-palpable testis, 12 had (57.1%) vanishing testis with scrotal nubbin in 10, inguinal nubbin in 2. Among the remaining 9 patients with sizeable testes, 5 were intra-abdominal testis and 4 were peeping testis. Of the 10 cases of scrotal nubbin, initial scrotal incision was performed in 7 cases (70.0%). Initial laparoscopy was performed in 14 cases, of which 9 cases of sizeable testis, 3 cases of scrotal nubbin, and 2 cases of inguinal nubbin which showed contralateral testicular hypertrophy but no palpable nubbin in scrotum. Contralateral testicular hypertrophy and palpable intra-scrotal nubbin was significantly predictive with 70% sensitivity and 100% specificity (P<0.001). In patients with unilateral non-palpable testis, when palpable nubbin in scrotum and/or contralateral testicular hypertrophy are present, initial scrotal incision is appropriate. In the case of contralateral testicular hypertrophy with no palpable nubbin in the scrotum, initial inguinal incision is more appropriate. Other cases should proceed to laparoscopy.

Protective effect of crocin on electromagnetic field-induced testicular damage and heat shock protein A2 expression in male BALB/c mice.

Objective(s):Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from mobile phones may cause a deleterious effect on human health and may affect the male reproductive system. Crocin, a carotenoid isolated from Crocus Sativus L. (Saffron), is a phar¬macologically active component of saffron. So, this study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of crocin on the male reproductive system of 60 day old mice after EMF exposure. Materials and Methods:Twenty-four male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1. Em group (2100 MHZ); 2. Cr group (50 mg/kg); 3. Em+Cr group (2100 MHZ+50 mg/kg), and 4. Control group. Sperm parameters (count, and abnormal percent), testis weight index, testis volume, seminiferous tubule diam¬eter, germinal epithelium thickness, LH, FSH and testosterone serum level, testicular Heat shock protein A2 (HspA2) immunoreactivity, and apoptosis were evaluated.Results:HspA2 immunoreactivity, apoptosis in the germinal epithelium and abnormal sperm were increased in Em group compared with the control group (P<0.05). Sperm count, LH, and testosterone serum level were decreased in the Em group compared with the control group (P<0.05). These parameters were improved in the Em+Cr group compared with Em group significantly (P<0.05).Conclusion:our findings revealed that EMF exposure leads to harmful impressions on the male reproductive system, while crocin can attenuate EMF-induced destructive effects.

Analysis of factors affecting repeat microdissection testicular sperm extraction outcomes in infertile men.

There is no clear consensus on which patients and how many of microscopic testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) procedures will be successful. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the sperm retrieval rates and factors affecting these rates in men who underwent repeat mTESEs. A total of 346 patients who underwent mTESE for sperm retrieval were included in the study. Patients were divided into groups according to the number of mTESE operations. Patients' karyotype, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels, varicocele presence, and testis volumes were recorded from patient files. The sperm retrieval rates were compared between groups, and predicting factors for successful sperm retrieval were evaluated. Microscopic TESE was applied for the first time in 244 patients, 1-2 times in 73 patients, and 3-4 times in 29 patients. There was a significant difference between groups in preoperative FSH values and postoperative testicular histopathology (p=0.004 and p<0.001). The sperm retrieval rate in the group of patients who had not undergone previous TESE was higher than the group of patients that had undergone TESE for 1-2 times and 3-4 times (p=0.028). In addition, testicular volume, histology, karyotype, and Y-chromosome microdeletion were predicting factors for successful sperm retrieval (p=0.011, p=0.039, p=0.002, and p<0.001, respectively). Our results confirm the necessity for repeat mTESE operations to be performed by experienced surgeons in reference centers to optimize the chance of reduced sperm retrieval rates with recurrent biopsies.

Testicular Characteristics and Daily Sperm Production of Male Rabbits Placed on Varying Levels of Pawpaw Seed (Carica Papaya) Meal

In a 12 weeks feeding trial, forty weaned mixed breed buck rabbits with average weight of 691g were used to assess the testicular characteristics and daily sperm production of rabbit fed pawpaw seed meal. Pawpaw seed meal was included at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% in the experimental diet. The animals were randomly and equally allotted to the diets and housed individually. At the end of the feeding trial 6 animals per treatment were sacrificed and their testes dissected. The testes were weighed and processed. Right testis volume, left testis volume, left testis density and relative testes weight were not significantly different (p>0.05). However, right testis weight, left testis weight, right testis density, paired testes weight and daily sperm production were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the treatment. The result showed that animals on 20%PSM compete favourably with the animals on control diet (0%PSM) in terms of right testis weight, left testis weight, right testis density and daily sperm production. This investigation suggests that inclusion of pawpaw seed meal up to 20% in rabbit diet had no deleterious effect on testicular and daily sperm production of rabbits.

Effects of Myricitrin and Solid Lipid Nanoparticle-Containing Myricitrin on Reproductive System Disorders Induced by Diabetes in Male Mouse.

PurposeThe present study investigates the effects of myricitrin and solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) containing myricitrin on the reproductive system of type 2 diabetic male mice.Materials and MethodsIn this experimental study, SLN containing myricitrin was prepared by the cold homogenization method. Then, 90 adult male Naval Medical Research Institute mice were divided into 9 groups (n=10): control, vehicle, diabetic, diabetic+myricitrin or SLN containing myricitrin 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) 15 minutes after nicotinamide (120 mg/kg) injection. Myricitrin and SLN containing myricitrin administered during 1 month. At the 34th days of the experiment, plasma and tissue samples were taken for experimental assessments.ResultsTestis weight and volume decreased in the diabetic group. These variables increased in diabetic treated mice by a high dose of myricitrin or all doses of SLN containing myricitrin (p<0.05). Total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase levels decreased in diabetic mice, and administration of myricitrin 10 mg/kg or all doses of SLN containing myricitrin increased them (p<0.05). Luteinizing hormone, Follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, and sperm count decreased in the diabetic group, treatment with a high dose of myricitrin or all doses of SLN containing myricitrin recovered them (p<0.05). Diabetes induced vacuoles and apoptosis in testicular cells, meanwhile myricitrin and SLN containing myricitrin improved them (p<0.05).ConclusionsDiabetes induced reproductive problem via increased oxidative stress and decrease antioxidant capacity, administration of myricitrin or SLN containing myricitrin improved them. Further, SLN containing myricitrin was more potent than myricitrin.

Paediatric and adolescent varicocele: when, why and how to treat it

Available indicators to justify varicocele treatment in adolescents are insufficient: testis volume is a variable parameter, and testicular asymmetry may be physiological. Testis volume and semen parameters are subject to pubertal development. For evaluation of possible testicular impairment, both parameters should be measured prospectively and at consecutive points in time. Endocrine parameters, which might contribute to a better understanding of possible impairment of testicular function, are neglected in studies. No evidence exists to confirm that varicocele treatment during adolescence leads to the prevention of fertility impairment in adulthood. In summary, risks and benefits of varicocele treatment have to be considered. There is no clear evidence-based recommendation to treat adolescents with varicocele.

Male morphological traits are heritable but do not predict reproductive success in a sexually-dimorphic primate

Sexual selection favours traits that increase reproductive success via increased competitive ability, attractiveness, or both. Male rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) morphological traits are likely to reflect the effects of multiple sexual selection pressures. Here, we use a quantitative genetic approach to investigate the production and maintenance of variation in male rhesus macaque morphometric traits which may be subject to sexual selection. We collected measurements of body size, canine length, and fat, from 125 male and 21 female free-ranging rhesus macaques on Cayo Santiago. We also collected testis volumes from males. We used a genetic pedigree to calculate trait heritability, to investigate potential trait trade-offs, and to estimate selection gradients. We found that variation in most male morphometric traits was heritable, but found no evidence of trait trade-offs nor that traits predicted reproductive success. Our results suggest that male rhesus macaque morphometric traits are either not under selection, or are under mechanisms of sexual selection that we could not test (e.g. balancing selection). In species subject to complex interacting mechanisms of selection, measures of body size, weaponry, and testis volume may not increase reproductive success via easily-testable mechanisms such as linear directional selection.

Research Paper: Effects of Different Doses and Time-Dependency of Busulfan on Testes Parameters and Spermatogenesis in a Rat Model: A Quantitative Stereological Study

Objectives: The current study aimed at evaluating testis parameters and spermatogenesis changes in male rats administrated by different busulfan doses and time to construct a subfertile animal model by stereological methods.Materials and Methods: In the present study, 150 male Wistar rats randomly divided into 5 groups. All experimental groups were treated by different concentrations of busulfan (0.0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg). Rats were sacrificed 1, 15, and 30 days after busulfan treatment. The tissue processing was done for stereological study and the results were analyzed by the one-way ANOVA followed by the Duncan test. Results: The most stereological parameters such as testes weight and volume, tubules volume density, interstitial tissue (P<0.05), and germinal epithelium (P<0.01) were significantly reduced by busulfan treatment. Also, at different busulfan doses, the number of spermatogenic cells including spermatogonia (P<0.05), spermatocyte, round and elongated spermatid, and the Sertoli and Leydig cells (P<0.01) significantly decreased, compared with those of the control group. The decline was more obvious in higher busulfan doses and time (from the day 15 to 30) (P<0.05). Conclusion: Most of testicular stereological parameters reduced during 15 days onwards after busulfan treatment in a dose-dependent manner.

Obesity Is Associated with Earlier Pubertal Onset in Boys.

Pubertal timing in boys is associated with body mass index (BMI). Studies consistently report an inverse correlation of BMI and pubertal timing within the normal BMI range. However, observations in obese boys are conflicting with different studies reporting either early or delayed pubertal onset in obese boys. We aimed to assess the association of male pubertal timing with age-specific BMI (zBMI) in obese boys. A total of 218 obese boys (zBMI > +2SD, with a median age at baseline of 10.8 years (range 4.2-17.0), were recruited as part of a prospective outpatient childhood obesity intervention program at Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark, between 2009 and 2017. Serving as controls, we included 660 healthy boys participating in the population-based COPENHAGEN Puberty Study (-2SD < zBMI ≤ +2SD, 2006-2014). Subanalyses were performed on overweight controls (+1SD < zBMI ≤ +2SD). The clinical assessment of pubertal development by Tanner staging, including testis volume using a Prader's orchidometer, was performed by trained physicians. The timing of pubertal milestones was estimated by probit analyses. Timing of testicular volume ≥ 4 mL, genital stage ≥ 2, and pubarche. The mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) age of onset of pubertal event in obese boys was as follows: testicular volume ≥ 4 mL, 11.3 years (11.0-11.6); genital stage ≥ 2, 11.6 yrs (11.3-11.9); and pubarche, 11.9 years (11.5-12.3). Testicular volume ≥ 4 mL occurred significantly earlier in obese boys compared to controls (-2SD < zBMI ≤ +2SD) (P = 0.01). We did not observe significant differences for either the timing of pubarche nor the genital stage ≥ 2 (P = 0.06 and P = 0.94, respectively). We demonstrate that testicular enlargement in obese boys occurs significantly earlier compared to a population-based normal-weight reference cohort.

Ефективність сумісного застосування метформіну та ліпофлавону за умов метаболічного синдрому в щурів

У чоловіків молодого та середнього віку, які страждають на метаболічний синдром (МС) та ожиріння, досить поширеними є випадки порушень статевої функції. Сучасні дані щодо ефективності застосування метформіну за порушень чоловічої репродуктивної функції є досить суперечливими. Таким чином, пошук нових мішеней для таргетної терапії патологій, пов’язаних з МС, є одним з найважливіших завдань сучасної фундаментальної та прикладної медицини. Мета дослідження – оцінка ефективності метформіну та його комбінації з ліпофлавоном за введення щурам-самцям з МС за основними критеріальними показниками гонадопротекторної дії. У дослідах використовували самців щурят з початковою масою тіла 50–70 г, віком 3 тижні. Тварин було розподілено на 4 групи по 12 у кожній: 1– інтактні; 2 – тварини, які замість питної води отримували 10 % розчин фруктози протягом 60 днів (модель МС); 3 – тварини з МС, яким внутрішньошлунково вводили метформін у дозі 266 мг/кг протягом останніх 30 днів споживання фруктози; 4 – сумісне введення на фоні МС метформіну та ліпофлавону (внутрішньоочеревинно) у дозі 3,1 мг/кг м. т. (за кверцетином) протягом останніх 30 днів споживання фруктози. Показано, що введення ліпофлавону до схеми лікування МС метформіном сприяло оптимізації гонадопротекторної дії за рахунок відновлення про/антиоксидантного статусу тестикулярного середовища, про що свідчить позитивна модуляція активності компонентів антиоксидантного захисту (активність СОД, вміст церулоплазміну та вміст відновленого глутатіону), зниження рівня ПОЛ і відновлення стероїдогенної активності сім’яників. Отримані результати свідчать на користь того, що сумісне введення метформіну та ліпофлавону виявилось більш ефективним для корекції наслідків МС на репродуктивну функцію, ніж окреме застосування базового препарату метформіну.

Reproduction and sexual dimorphism in the viviparous lizard Sceloporus palaciosi (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) from the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico

AbstractIn this study, sexual dimorphism, reproductive cycles, litter size and offspring size of a population of the little‐known species Sceloporus palaciosi in central Mexico were analysed. Significant male‐biased sexual size dimorphism was recorded in snout–vent length (SVL), head length, head width, forearm length and tibia length. Both sexes showed asynchronous reproductive cycles, and males reached sexual maturity at a smaller SVL (33 mm) than females (37 mm). Testes volumes were small from January to February, testicular recrudescence began from March to June, and decreased in July, but increased again in August and September, followed by a second decrease from October to December. In females, vitellogenesis began from May until ovulation in December. Embryonic development extended from November to March, and a small number of females carried embryos through July. Mean litter size was 4.0 and was positively correlated with female SVL. The length of the reproductive period in S. palaciosi recorded in this study is longer than that recorded for other populations in other parts of this species range. Further studies are needed to clarify reproductive cycles in the other isolated populations of S. palaciosi, and then extended to other species and chromosome races in the Sceloporus grammicus complex.

Effect of Pediatric Testicular Torsion on Testicular Function in the Short Term

PurposeTo evaluate short-term testicular outcome after torsion in children. MethodsFifty-four children and adolescents were evaluated after 6 months of the operation for testicular torsion. Testicular volume was measured and circulating Inhibin B, FSH, LH and testosterone levels were checked. ResultsDelay from the onset of symptoms to surgery was shorter in the orchidopexy group (n = 47), than in the orchiectomy group (n = 7, p = 0.001). In the orchidopexy group, the median volume of the affected testis was 83% (IQR 43–104) of the contralateral testis (p = 0.002). The plasma hormone levels in orchidopexy and orchiectomy groups were: 148 ng/l (IQR 108–208) vs. 129 ng/l (IQR, 123–138, p = 0.269) for Inhibin B; 4.5 IU/L (IQR2.6–6.9) vs. 11.7 IU/L (IQR 4.3–12.8, p = 0.037) for FSH; 2.9 IU/L (IQR 1.3–3.7) vs. 4.8 (IQR 3.0–5.6, p = 0.066) for LH; and 13.6 nM (IQR 6.5–18.0) vs. 14.5 nM (IQR 6.7–15.9, p = 0.834) for testosterone. The association between FSH, LH as well as testosterone levels was most clear with the volume of the contralateral testis (Rho = 0.574, p < 0.001, Rho = 0.621, p = 0.001 and Rho 0.718, p < 0.001 respectively). ConclusionsTesticular function is mainly dependent on the volume of contralateral testicle after testicular torsion. However, testis preserving surgery tends to maintain better function than orchiectomy. Type of studyRetrospective review. Level of evidenceIII

Sperm recovery and ICSI outcomes in men with non-obstructive azoospermia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Factor affecting sperm retrieval rate (SRR) or pregnancy rates (PR) after testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) have not been systematically evaluated. In addition, although micro-TESE (mTESE) has been advocated as the gold standard for sperm retrieval in men with NOA, its superiority over conventional TESE (cTESE) remains conflicting. The objective was to perform a meta-analysis of the currently available studies comparing the techniques of sperm retrieval and to identify clinical and biochemical factors predicting SRR in men with NOA. In addition, PRs and live birth rates (LBRs), as derived from subjects with NOA post-ICSI, were also analysed as secondary outcomes. An extensive Medline, Embase and Cochrane search was performed. All trials reporting SRR derived from cTESE or mTESE in patients with NOA and their specific determinants were included. Data derived from genetic causes of NOA or testicular sperm aspiration were excluded. Out of 1236 studies, 117 studies met the inclusion criteria for this study, enrolling 21 404 patients with a mean age (± SD) of 35.0 ± 2.7years. cTESE and mTESE were used in 56 and 43 studies, respectively. In addition, 10 studies used a mixed approach and 8 studies compared cTESE with mTESE approach. Overall, a SRR per TESE procedure of 47[45;49]% (mean percentage [95% CI]) was found. No differences were observed when mTESE was compared to cTESE (46[43;49]% for cTESE versus 46[42;49]% for mTESE). Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that SRR per cycle was independent of age and hormonal parameters at enrolment. However, the SRR increased as a function of testis volume. In particular, by applying ROC curve analysis, a mean testis volume higher than 12.5ml predicted SRR >60% with an accuracy of 86.2% ± 0.01. In addition, SRR decreased as a function of the number of Klinefelter's syndrome cases included (S = -0.02[-0.04;-0.01]; P < 0.01. I = 0.12[-0.05;0.29]; P = 0.16). Information on fertility outcomes after ICSI was available in 42 studies. Overall, a total of 1096 biochemical pregnancies were reported (cumulative PR = 29[25;32]% per ICSI cycle). A similar rate was observed when LBR was analysed (569 live births with a cumulative LBR = 24[20;28]% per ICSI cycle). No influence of male and female age, mean testis volume or hormonal parameters on both PR and LBR per ICSI cycle was observed. Finally, a higher PR per ICSI cycle was observed when the use of fresh sperm was compared to cryopreserved sperm (PR = 35[30;40]%, versus 20[13;29]% respectively): however, this result was not confirmed when cumulative LBR per ICSI cycle was analysed (LBR = 30[20;41]% for fresh versus 20[12;31]% for cryopreserved sperm). This analysis shows that cTESE/mTESE in subjects with NOA results in SRRs of up to 50%, with no differences when cTESE was compared to mTESE. Retrieved sperms resulted in a LBR of up to 28% ICSI cycle. Although no difference between techniques was found, to conclusively clarify if one technique is superior to the other, there is a need for a sufficiently powered and well-designed randomized controlled trial to compare mTESE to cTESE in men with NOA.

Prediction model for testis histology in men with non-obstructive azoospermia: evidence for a limited predictive role of serum follicle-stimulating hormone.

The present prediction model was intended to verify whether serum FSH level could be predictive of testis histology in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). We evaluated two datasets of patients with NOA: the first (San Paolo dataset) comprising 558 patients, 18-63 years old, the second (Procrea dataset) composed by 143 patients, 26-62 years old; bot datasets were combined to obtain a validation set. Multinomial logistic regression was first run with serum FSH and testis volume as independent predictors of testis histology, then, the correctly classified histological subcategories were set as outcome variables of a prediction model in both development and validation sets. Multinomial logistic regression showed that FSH was a significant predictor of testis histology in 58% of cases, although it was unable to correctly classify cases with focal SCO or maturation arrest (MA). A prediction model was then run with hypospermatogenesis (HYPO) and Sertoli-only syndrome (SCO) as outcome variables of a binary logistic regression. FSH significantly predicted both HYPO and SCO, with a sensitivity of 40.9 and 80.7 and a specificity of 84.3 and 46.8 respectively. The model showed a fair discriminative ability (ROC AUC 0.705 and 0.709 respectively) and was adequately calibrated. Supported by a robust statistical analysis, we conclude that serum FSH level cannot be considered a prognostic marker of spermatogenic dysfunction in patients with NOA.

The long term effects of intrascrotal low dose and high dose N-acetylcysteine on testis damage in rat model of testicular torsion

Background/PurposeDuring testicular torsion, the testes face oxidative damage owing to ischemia/reperfusion. We studied the long term effects of the intrascrotal administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) during detorsion procedure in a rat model of testicular torsion. MethodsTwenty-eight rats were divided into 4 groups: (1) Control group: No procedure was done (2): Torsion–detorsion group: Testis torsion applied for 3 h (3): Low Dose Group: After testis torsion–detorsion (for 3 h) 10 mg/kg NAC was given into tunica vaginalis (4): High Dose Group: After testis torsion–detorsion (for 3 h) 100 mg/kg NAC was given into tunica vaginalis. We measured dimensions of the testes and examined pathological findings and Johnsen and Cosantino Scores. ResultsFor testes height and volume, high dose NAC group had better results than the torsion–detorsion group (p = 0.019, p = 0.049). Testes weight showed no difference (p = 0.204). Sertoli cell number per tubule in the high dose NAC group was statistically different than the torsion–detorsion group (p = 0.017). ConclusionsWhen NAC was given intrascrotally at a dose of 100 mg/kg, it decreased the loss of testis volume and height, and Sertoli cell number per tubule was similar to the control group. These results suggest that the higher dose intrascrotal NAC administered during detorsion may have a protective effect.

Are predictive factors in sperm retrieval and pregnancy rates present in nonobstructive azoospermia patients by microdissection testicular sperm extraction on testicle with a history of orchidopexy operation?

The aim in this study is to evaluate predictive factors on sperm retrieval and pregnancy rates by microdissection testicular sperm extraction in non obstructive azoospermia patients with a history of orchidopexy operation. A total of 148 patients were included, and their medical files were evaluated. Data related to possible predictive factors on sperm retrieval and pregnancy rates such as age at orchidopexy operation, unilateral or bilateral presence of undescended testis before orchidopexy, testis volumes and hormone levels were statistically analysed. It revealed that the mean ages in patients with unilateral and bilateral orchidopexy operations were 35.37 (±4.84) and 33.94 (±5.91) respectively. Mean testis volume in the unilateral orchidopexy group was 7.59 (±3.12)ml on the right testis and 7.37 (±2.86)ml on the left testis. Mean FSH levels were detected as 22.71 (±11.86)mIU/ml in the unilateral group and 28.19 (±12.40)mIU/ml in the bilateral group. In our study, we have shown that the age at which patients undergo orchidopexy and the unilateral or bilateral presence of cryptorchidism has no correlation with sperm retrieval and pregnancy rates.

Morphology and histomorphometric study of 1- to 4-month-old Gaga’ chicken’s testes

Gaga’ chicken is one of the endemic fowls originated from Sidenreng-Rappang Regency in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This study aimed to describe the morphology and histomorphometry of 1- to 4-month-old Gaga’ chicken’s testes. Eight chicks were used in this study, divided into four groups of ages from 1- to 4-month-old (n = 2). Chicks testes were collected by necropsy, and the histological slides were prepared and stained using the Hematoxilyn-Eosin paraffin method. The results showed there were no significant differences between Gaga’ chicken’s testes and the local breeds. The bodyweight of Gaga’ chicken was in parallel increase with the testes weight, volume, and length (P<0.05). Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) value also showed an increase in spermatozoa production. Spermatocytogenesis phase was observed in 1-month-old, while myogenesis phase in 2-months-old and spermiogenesis in 3- to 4-months-old chicks. The histomorphometry showed that the seminiferous tubules were developed in diameter. The number of seminiferous tubules increased in 1- to 2-months-old chicks but decreased in older chicks as the area became wider. It is suggested that the spermatozoa production increased as the increase of seminiferous tubule area.

The effect of green tea extract on the sperm parameters and histological changes of testis in rats exposed to para-nonylphenol.

BackgroundPara-nonylphenol (p-NP), an environmental contaminant, can generate free radicals that disturbs the reproductive properties. Green tea extract (GTE) is an antioxidant which may prevent the adverse effects of free radicals. Objective: The aim was to investigate the effect of GTE on sperm parameters and testis tissue in p-NP-treated rats.Materials and Methods24 adult male Wistar rats (215 20 gr) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6/each) – including control, p-NP (200 mg/kg/day), GTE (200 mg/kg/day), and p-NP + GTE – and orally treated for 56 days. The right testes and left caudal epididymis were used to evaluate selected parameters. In addition, the concentration of serum malondialdehyde was calculated.ResultsA significant decrease in the sperm number, motility, viability and morphology (p 0.001) was observed in the rats treated with p-NP compared to the control ones. The diameter of seminiferous tubules (p 0.001), thickness of germinal epithelium (p = 0.018), total volume of testis (p = 0.009), volume of seminiferous tubules (p 0.001), and testis weight (p = 0.017) decreased in the p-NP group in contrast with the other groups. Moreover, a significant increase of the malondialdehyde concentration was seen in the p-NP group when compared with the controls (p = 0.043). The majority of adverse effects of p-NP could be recovered following the administration of GTE.ConclusionIt seems GTE can be used as a potent antioxidant in the case of p-NP toxication.