scholarly journals Varicocele Repair Improves Testicular Histology in Men with Nonobstructive Azoospermia

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murat Ustuner ◽  
Hasan Yilmaz ◽  
Ufuk Yavuz ◽  
Seyfettin Ciftci ◽  
Ali Saribacak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extraction Procedure ◽  
Testicular Biopsy ◽  
Testicular Tissue ◽  
High Serum ◽  
Histopathological Analysis ◽  
Nonobstructive Azoospermia ◽  
Biopsy Specimens ◽  
Testicular Histology ◽  
Late Maturation ◽  
Varicocele Repair

Objective. To determine the histopathological differences after varicocele repair in testicular tissue in males with nonobstructive azoospermia.Methods. Between 2009 and 2014, 45 men with complete azoospermia and palpable varicocele, presenting with primary infertility of at least 1 year, undergoing varicocele repair at our institution were selected for the study. A standard systematic testicular 6-core Tru-Cut biopsy was performed during varicocele repair. Other biopsies were obtained from each testicle of all patients at the time of microscopic sperm extraction procedure.Results. Nineteen patients were selected for the study. Testicular biopsy specimens were classified as Sertoli cell only on preoperative histopathological analysis in 14 patients. After varicocele repair, focal spermatogenesisn=3and late maturation arrestn=2were found in these patients. Average Johnsen score was significantly increased after varicocelectomyP=0.003. Motile sperm was found in one patient on postoperative semen analyses and in 10 more patients in the microscopic sperm extraction procedure. Preoperative high serum follicle stimulating hormone level and venous reflux were significantly and negatively correlated with the increase in average Johnsen scoreP<0.05.Conclusions. Our findings suggest significant improvement in testicular histology after varicocele repair.

scholarly journals Upregulation of the RNF8 gene can predict the presence of sperm in azoospermic individuals

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-67
Author(s):  
Majid Nazari ◽  
Emad Babakhanzadeh ◽  
S. Mohsen Aghaei Zarch ◽  
Mehrdad Talebi ◽  
Nima Narimani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Operating Characteristic ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Testicular Biopsy ◽  
Negative Group ◽  
Nonobstructive Azoospermia ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Biopsy Specimens ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Objective: In this study, specimens from testicular biopsies of men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) were used to investigate whether <i>RNF8</i> gene could serve as a biomarker to predict the presence of sperm in these patients.Methods: Testicular biopsy specimens from 47 patients were classified according to the presence of sperm (positive vs. negative groups) and investigated for the expression of <i>RNF8</i>. The level of <i>RNF8</i> gene expression in the testes was compared between these groups using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.Results: The expression level of <i>RNF8</i> was significantly higher in testicular samples from the positive group than in those from the negative group. Moreover, the area under the curve of <i>RNF8</i> expression for the entire study population was 0.84, showing the discriminatory power of <i>RNF8</i> expression in differentiating between the positive and negative groups of men with NOA. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that <i>RNF8</i> expression had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 84%, with a cutoff level of 1.76.Conclusion: This study points out a significant association between the expression of <i>RNF8</i> and the presence of sperm in NOA patients, which suggests that quantified <i>RNF8</i> expression in testicular biopsy samples may be a valuable biomarker for predicting the presence of spermatozoa in biopsy samples.

BINDING OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN TO TESTICULAR BIOPSY TISSUE FROM INFERTILE MEN AND THE EFFECT OF PRIOR TREATMENT WITH HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN

1980 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. SHARPE ◽  
F. C. W. WU ◽  
T. B. HARGREAVE
Keyword(s):  
Cell Function ◽  
Testicular Biopsy ◽  
Testicular Tissue ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Fresh Tissue ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
Endocrine Profile ◽  
Normal Men ◽  
Testicular Histology

The binding of 125I-labelled human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) to testicular tissue obtained by biopsy from 27 infertile men has been investigated. Fresh tissue cut into pieces was used for these studies as homogenization and/or freezing severely reduced the ability of testicular tissue to bind HCG. In five infertile men who had a normal endocrine profile and normal testicular histology, 10·3 ± 1·4 (s.d.) pg 125I-labelled HCG were bound/mg testis, which was similar to binding (7·9 ± 3·6 pg/mg) to testicular tissue obtained from three apparently normal men who underwent orchidectomy for prostatic carcinoma. However, in five infertile men with germ cell aplasia binding was increased to 16·6 ± 5·7 pg/mg tissue. Fourteen infertile men were injected 24 h before biopsy with HCG, and this treatment consistently, and in most cases significantly, reduced the testicular binding of 125I-labelled HCG compared with that found in untreated, infertile men. It was concluded that measurement of HCG-binding in testicular biopsy specimens is feasible and may prove useful in assessing similarities between Leydig cell function in man and animals.

1376: Molecular Diagnostic Detection of Haploid Germ Cells in Testicular Biopsy Specimens by Online RT-PCR

2004 ◽  
Vol 171 (4S) ◽  
pp. 362-363
Author(s):  
Mark G. Schrader ◽  
Markus Muller ◽  
Wolfgang Schulze ◽  
Steffen Weikert ◽  
Kurt Miller
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cells ◽  
Testicular Biopsy ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Biopsy Specimens ◽  
Diagnostic Detection

scholarly journals Cellular Therapy via Spermatogonial Stem Cells for Treating Impaired Spermatogenesis, Non-Obstructive Azoospermia

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1779
Author(s):  
Nesma E. Abdelaal ◽  
Bereket Molla Tanga ◽  
Mai Abdelgawad ◽  
Sahar Allam ◽  
Mostafa Fathi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Male Infertility ◽  
Cellular Therapy ◽  
Antihypertensive Drugs ◽  
Testicular Biopsy ◽  
Testicular Tissue ◽  
Spermatogonial Stem Cells ◽  
Obstructive Azoospermia ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Major Health Problem

Male infertility is a major health problem affecting about 8–12% of couples worldwide. Spermatogenesis starts in the early fetus and completes after puberty, passing through different stages. Male infertility can result from primary or congenital, acquired, or idiopathic causes. The absence of sperm in semen, or azoospermia, results from non-obstructive causes (pretesticular and testicular), and post-testicular obstructive causes. Several medications such as antihypertensive drugs, antidepressants, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy could lead to impaired spermatogenesis and lead to a non-obstructive azoospermia. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the basis for spermatogenesis and fertility in men. SSCs are characterized by their capacity to maintain the self-renewal process and differentiation into spermatozoa throughout the male reproductive life and transmit genetic information to the next generation. SSCs originate from gonocytes in the postnatal testis, which originate from long-lived primordial germ cells during embryonic development. The treatment of infertility in males has a poor prognosis. However, SSCs are viewed as a promising alternative for the regeneration of the impaired or damaged spermatogenesis. SSC transplantation is a promising technique for male infertility treatment and restoration of spermatogenesis in the case of degenerative diseases such as cancer, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The process involves isolation of SSCs and cryopreservation from a testicular biopsy before starting cancer treatment, followed by intra-testicular stem cell transplantation. In general, treatment for male infertility, even with SSC transplantation, still has several obstacles. The efficiency of cryopreservation, exclusion of malignant cells contamination in cancer patients, and socio-cultural attitudes remain major challenges to the wider application of SSCs as alternatives. Furthermore, there are limitations in experience and knowledge regarding cryopreservation of SSCs. However, the level of infrastructure or availability of regulatory approval to process and preserve testicular tissue makes them tangible and accurate therapy options for male infertility caused by non-obstructive azoospermia, though in their infancy, at least to date.

scholarly journals Differential Diagnosis of Azoospermia in Men with Infertility

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 3144
Author(s):  
Danilo L. Andrade ◽  
Marina C. Viana ◽  
Sandro C. Esteves
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Physical Examination ◽  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Testicular Biopsy ◽  
Nonobstructive Azoospermia ◽  
Sperm Cryopreservation ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Detailed Medical History

The differential diagnosis between obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia is the first step in the clinical management of azoospermic patients with infertility. It includes a detailed medical history and physical examination, semen analysis, hormonal assessment, genetic tests, and imaging studies. A testicular biopsy is reserved for the cases of doubt, mainly in patients whose history, physical examination, and endocrine analysis are inconclusive. The latter should be combined with sperm extraction for possible sperm cryopreservation. We present a detailed analysis on how to make the azoospermia differential diagnosis and discuss three clinical cases where the differential diagnosis was challenging. A coordinated effort involving reproductive urologists/andrologists, geneticists, pathologists, and embryologists will offer the best diagnostic path for men with azoospermia.

scholarly journals Outcome of varicocele repair in men with nonobstructive azoospermia: systematic review and meta-analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 246 ◽  
Author(s):  
SandroC Esteves ◽  
Ricardo Miyaoka ◽  
Matheus Roque ◽  
Ashok Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Nonobstructive Azoospermia ◽  
Varicocele Repair

Steroids in equine testes: the identification of endogenous 19-hydroxy and 19-nor neutral steroids by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

1989 ◽  
Vol 120 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. C. Dumasia ◽  
E. Houghton ◽  
M. Jackiw
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Gas Chromatography ◽  
Aldol Reaction ◽  
Extraction Procedure ◽  
Testicular Tissue ◽  
Enzyme Hydrolysis ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Trimethylsilyl Ethers ◽  
Conjugated Steroids

ABSTRACT After homogenization of testicular tissue from stallions aged 1, 2 and 5 years, the unconjugated and conjugated steroids were isolated by a combined solvent–solid extraction procedure. The conjugates were further separated into glucuronides and sulphates by chromatography using Sephadex LH-20. After enzyme hydrolysis and solvolysis of the respective conjugate classes, the three extracts, unconjugated steroids, aglycones and solvolysed sulphates, were purified by chromatography using Kieselgel 60H columns. Five fractions were resolved from each extract; an aliquot of each fraction was derivatized to form the methoxime-trimethylsilyl ethers and the steroids were identified by combined gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results have shown that in stallion testes (1) steroidogenesis proceeds by both the 4-ene and the 5-ene pathways, (2) age-linked changes occur in both unconjugated and sulphoconjugated steroid fractions and (3) 19-hydroxy androgens and the 19-nor (C18) neutral steroids (19-norandrostenedione and 19-nortestosterone) are detected only in the unconjugated fraction whereas oestrone, the isomers of oestradiol and of 5(10)-oestrene-3,17-diol are the only steroids detected in the sulphoconjugate fraction. It is suggested that the unconjugated 19-oxygenated androgens present in stallion testes are converted to 19-nor neutral steroids by a reverse aldol reaction and a mechanism showing the putative intermediates in their formation is illustrated. Journal of Endocrinology (1989) 120, 223–229

P–056 To graft or not to graft? Intratesticular grafting of testicular tissue from Klinefelter boys to the mouse testis as possible novel in vivo model

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Willems ◽  
P Sesenhausen ◽  
I Gies ◽  
V Vloeberghs ◽  
J D Schepper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Klinefelter Syndrome ◽  
Testicular Biopsy ◽  
Testicular Tissue ◽  
Mouse Testis ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Fibrotic Process

Abstract Study question Can intratesticular transplanted testis tissue from Klinefelter boys to the mouse testis be used to study the mechanisms behind testicular fibrosis? Summary answer Grafting of testicular tissue from Klinefelter boys to the mouse testis is not a valuable new in vivo model to study Klinefelter-related testicular fibrosis. What is known already Klinefelter syndrome (KS; 47, XXY) affects 1–2 in 1000 males. Most KS men suffer from azoospermia due to a loss of spermatogonial stem cells. Additionally, testicular fibrosis is detected from puberty onwards. However, mechanisms responsible for fibrosis and germ cell loss remain unknown. An optimal in vivo model to study the KS testicular fibrotic process is not available. This study aimed to evaluate a possible in vivo model to study KS-related testicular fibrosis. In addition, the effect of the mast cell blocker ketotifen, which showed positive effects on fertility in infertile non-KS patients, was evaluated in this graft model. Study design, size, duration First, the survival time of the KS graft was established, since it was the first time KS tissue was transplanted to the mouse testis. Testes were collected after two, four, six and eight weeks after which histological and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed. Next, the effect of daily ketotifen injections on the fibrotic appearance of intratesticular grafted testicular tissue from KS and controls was evaluated. Participants/materials, setting, methods Testicular biopsy samples from pre- and peripubertal KS (n = 22) and age-matched control samples (n = 22) were transplanted to the testes of six weeks old Swiss Nu/Nu mice (n = 22). Prior to grafting, testicular tissue pieces were cultured in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for five days. Next, tissues were transplanted to the mouse testes. Testicular transplants were analysed by immunohistochemistry. In the second experiment, mice were given daily subcutaneous injections of ketotifen or saline. Main results and the role of chance Four weeks after transplantation, all KS grafts could still be retrieved. At a later timepoint, degeneration of the tissue could be detected. In the grafts, recovered four weeks after transplantation, about 30% of the tubules in peripubertal grafts showed a good integrity, while in the prepubertal tissue, 83% of the tubules were intact. A fibrotic score was assigned to each graft. No significant changes in fibrotic score was observed between testicular biopsies before or after transplantation. However, an increased (p &lt; 0.01) fibrotic score was observed after in-vitro treatment with VEGF both in control and KS tissue. Based on recovery and tubule integrity grafts were recovered after four weeks in the second experiment. Treatment with ketotifen did not result in significant histological differences compared to non-treated grafts (KS and control tissue). The survival potential of grafts from KS testicular biopsies of pre- and peripubertal boys was patient- and age-dependent. After four weeks, most KS tissue starts to degenerate. In prepubertal tissue, seminiferous tubules were mostly intact, while tissue from adolescent boys was impaired. Interestingly, no loss of germ cells was observed after transplantation of the testicular tissue. Limitations, reasons for caution The availability of tissue from young KS patients is very scarce, leading to a low number of included patients (n = 8). Testicular tissue pieces from the same patient were included to evaluate the differences before and after transplantation. However, histological variability between testicular tissue biopsy pieces is well-known in KS patients. Wider implications of the findings Since testicular tissue from KS boys, transplanted to the mouse testes, already starts to degenerate after four weeks and the integrity is not optimal, we conclude that this is not a valuable model for future studies. In vitro models to study the KS-testicular fibrosis should be investigated. Trial registration number NA

Postchemotherapy Ejaculatory Azoospermia: Fatherhood With Sperm From Testis Tissue With Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 930-936 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. N. Damani ◽  
V. Masters ◽  
M. V. Meng ◽  
C. Burgess ◽  
P. Turek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ◽  
Fertilization Rate ◽  
Nonobstructive Azoospermia ◽  
Fresh Tissue ◽  
Icsi Cycle ◽  
Small Subgroup ◽  
History Of ◽  
Fertility Potential ◽  
Late Maturation ◽  
Testis Tissue

PURPOSE: To define the success of testis sperm extraction (TESE) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in azoospermic men with a history of chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, 23 men with ejaculatory azoospermia and a history of chemotherapy underwent TESE in a search for usable spermatozoa. In six patients cryopreserved tissue and in nine patients fresh tissue provided sperm for an ICSI cycle. Histologic analysis of the testis was performed in all patients. The presence or absence of sperm, fertilization rates with ICSI, and final outcomes of pregnancy were recorded. RESULTS: Spermatozoa were found on TESE in 15 (65.2%) of 23 men. On histopathology, the predominant pattern observed was Sertoli cell only (47.8%), followed by hypospermatogenesis (30.4%), mixed (17.4%), and late maturation arrest (4.3%). The fertilization rate was 65.2%, and ongoing/delivered pregnancies occurred in 30.8% of cycles. Six healthy boys and four healthy girls have been born to date. CONCLUSION: Men who are azoospermic and have had prior cytotoxic therapy make up a small subgroup of males with nonobstructive azoospermia. It is important to define and characterize this subgroup and better define their true fertility potential. Approximately two thirds of these men have retrievable testis sperm, which may be used with ICSI to have healthy offspring. This exciting avenue for paternity has heretofore not been available to such patients.

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