Effect of Hypercholesterolaemia on Testicular Function and Sperm Physiology

The effect of hypercholesterolaemia on testicular endocrine and exocrine function was evaluated. Furthermore, the influence of hypercholesterolaemia on sperm quality, quantity, and fertilizing potential was appreciated. Eight mature rabbits (group A) were fed chow containing 3% cholesterol for 12 weeks. An additional six rabbits (group B) were fed normal chow for the same period. At the end of the experimental period hormonal profiles and sperm parameters were evaluated. In addition, the sperm reproductive potential was assessed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. Peripheral serum responses to testicular stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin, epididymal sperm content and motility, and IVF outcome were significantly lower in group A than in group B. In contrast, serum cholesterol levels were significantly higher in group A. It appears that hypercholesterolaemia has a detrimental effect on Leydig cell function, spermatogenesis, the epididymal sperm maturation process, and the overall sperm fertilizing capacity

Bilateral Testicular Consequences in the Unilateral Vasectomy of Immature Rats

We evaluated the effects of unilateral obstruction of the vas deferens on testicular endocrine and exocrine function in rats. The left vas deferens was ligated and divided in 1-week-old Wistar rats. Additional rats of the same age underwent a sham operation. Bilateral testicular weight and epididymal weight were compared between the vasectomized and sham-operated animals at 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperation. Intratesticular versus intraabdominal temperature difference, epididymal caudal sperm content (ECSC), motility (ECSM) and in vitro fertilizing capacity (IVF) were compared between the vasectomized and sham-operated animals at 12 weeks postoperation. Serum testosterone response to human chorionic gonadotropin and bilateral testicular weight were significantly smaller in the vasectomized animals than in the sham-operated animals at 8 and 12 weeks postoperation. Bilateral ECSC, ECSM and IVF outcomes were significantly smaller in vasectomized rats than in sham-treated rats 12 weeks postoperatively. Bilateral intratesticular versus intraabdominal temperature differences were not significantly different between the vasectomized and control rats at 12 weeks postoperation. Unilateral obstruction of the vas deferens results in a bilateral defect in spermatogenesis and in the epididymal sperm maturation process

Effects of Unilateral Cryptorchidism on Contralateral Epididymal Sperm Quality, Quantity and Fertilizing Capacity

The effect of unilateral cryptorchidism on ipsilateral testicular function has been well studied both in human and experimental animals. However, the effect of unilateral cryptorchidism on contralateral testicular function remains unclear. To evaluate the effect of left cryptorchidism on right testicular function, 3 groups of immature male rats were used: group A, left cryptorchid rats; group B, sham operated rats and group C, orchidopexed rats. Ten weeks post-cryptorchidism induction, right testicular versus intraabdominal temperature difference (RΔT), bilateral epididymal sperm content and motility, bilateral testicular weight, fertility rate in vivo and in vitro, and serum testosterone responses to human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation were tested. Most of the above parameters were significantly lower in group A than in group B and significantly higher in group C than in group A. The current findings suggest that there is a detrimental effect of unilateral cryptorchidism on sperm fertilizing capacity in vitro not only on the ipsilateral side but also on the contralateral side

Factors Inducing Vascularization Improve the Spermatogenic and Steroidogenic Function of the Varicocelized Testis

We evaluated whether alterations in testicular vascularization and fluid dynamics have a role in the development of testicular damage in varicocelized animals. Left varicocele was induced in 6 groups of rats (A, B, C, D, E and F; 7 rats in each group). Four times a week, rats of group A, B, C, D, E and F underwent intrascrotal injections of saline, insulin-like growth factor-I, fibroblast growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, vascular endothelial growth factor or all the previous factors together, respectively. Additionally 7 rats were sham-operated (group G). At 8 weeks post-operation, groups E, F and G showed significantly higher left epididymal sperm content and motility, testosterone responses to human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation and intraabdominal versus intratesticular temperature differences than group A. Histological sections showed that the number of vessels per seminiferous tubule was significantly larger in groups E and F than in group A. Factors inducing vascularization have a beneficial effect on the function of the varicocelized testis attributable to improvement of testicular tissue nutrition or to amelioration of the functionality of the countercurrent heat exchange system

Protective Effects of Antioxidants on Testicular Functions of Varicocelized Rats

Left varicocele detrimentally affects spermatogenesis and the epididymal sperm maturation process bilaterally. We analyzed the effect of antioxidants on sperm production and quality in rats which were varicocelized. Non-varicocelized rats served as controls (group A). Left varicocele was done in 5 groups (B, C, D, E and F) of rats of the same age. Antioxidants taurine, catalase or superoxide dismutase were administered intraabdominally twice a week in groups C, D or E, respectively. Group F received taurine, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Groups A and B received a vehicle dose of saline equally. Eight weeks after varicocele induction bilateral epididymal caudal sperm content, motility and fertilizing ability were analyzed. All the parameters were significantly lower in group B than in groups A, C, D, E and F, although the values in group A were higher than in the other groups. Bilateral testicular weight and testosterone responses to human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation were significantly higher in groups A, C, D, E and F than in the group B. There were no significant differences in serum testosterone basal profiles among groups A, B, C, D, E and F. These results indicated the effectiveness of antioxidants for the preservation of testicular function and the epididymal sperm maturation process in varicocelized subjects

Antidepressant Drugs for Chronic Urological Pelvic Pain: An Evidence-Based Review

The use of antidepressant drugs for the management of chronic pelvic pain has been supported in the past. This study aimed to evaluate the available evidence for the efficacy and acceptability of antidepressant drugs in the management of urological chronic pelvic pain. Studies were selected through a comprehensive literature search. We included all types of study designs due to the limited evidence. Studies were classified into levels of evidence according to their design. Ten studies were included with a total of 360 patients. Amitriptyline, sertraline, duloxetine, nortriptyline, and citalopram are the antidepressants that have been reported in the literature. Only four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified (two for amitriptyline and two for sertraline) with mixed results. We conclude that the use of antidepressants for the management of chronic urological pelvic pain is not adequately supported by methodologically sound RCTs. From the existing studies amitriptyline may be effective in interstitial cystitis but publication bias should be considered as an alternative explanation. All drugs were generally well tolerated with no serious events reported

Reply: Sperm Retrieval Rates by micro-TESE Versus Conventional TESE in Men With Non-Obstructive Azoospermia-The Assumption of Independence in Effects Sizes Might Lead to Misleading Conclusions

[No abstract available

Conventional and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging findings of benign fibromatous paratesticular tumor: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>The vast majority of paratesticular masses are benign. Magnetic resonance imaging of the scrotum may provide valuable information in the pre-operative work-up of scrotal masses, by allowing the precise localization of the lesion and helping in characterizing its nature. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is an evolving technique that can be used to improve tissue characterization, when interpreted with the findings of conventional magnetic resonance sequences. We present the case of an adenomatoid tumor of the tunica albuginea, with abundant fibrosis evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging of the scrotum, including both conventional and diffusion-weighted sequences. To the best of our knowledge, there are very few reports in the English literature regarding the magnetic resonance imaging features of this rare benign paratesticular tumor and no report on the diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance findings. We discuss the value of magnetic resonance imaging in the pre-operative diagnosis of benign fibromatous paratesticular tumors and differential diagnosis.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 45-year-old Caucasian man was referred to us with a palpable left scrotal mass. Magnetic resonance imaging of his scrotum revealed the presence of a multilobular left paratesticular mass, mainly detected with very low signal intensity on T2-weighted images and restricted diffusion on apparent diffusion coefficient maps. These findings were suggestive of a fibrous component, and were confirmed on histology following lesion excision.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Magnetic resonance imaging of the scrotum, by using both conventional and diffusion-weighted sequences, could have a potential role in the evaluation of scrotal masses.</p

Penis auto-amputation and chasm of the lower abdominal wall due to advanced penile carcinoma: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Penile cancer is uncommon. When penile cancer is left untreated, at an advanced stage it can have tragic consequences for the patient.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>Our case report does not concern a new manifestation of penile cancer, but an interesting presentation with clinical significance that emphasizes the need to diagnose and treat penile cancer early. It is an unusual case of a neglected penile cancer in a 57-year-old Greek man that led to auto-amputation of the penis and a large chasm in the lower abdominal wall. The clinical staging was T4N3M0 and our patient was treated with a bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Our patient died 18 months after his first admission in our clinic.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Emphasis must be placed on early diagnosis and treatment of penile cancer, so further development of the disease can be prevented.</p