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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Carcinoma in situ of the testis: frequency and relationship to invasive germ cell tumours in infertile men.

A light microscopical study on a total of 812 consecutive testicular biopsies from 555 infertile men revealed intratubular changes in germ cells compatible with a carcinoma in situ pattern in six oligospermic patients (I.I%); the changes were found in both testes in two of these men. Four of the six patients developed an invasive germ cell tumour within follow-up period of 1.3 to 4.5 years. The results confirm the malignant nature of these intratubular atypical germ cells. It is concluded that testicular biopsy may be useful for early detection and cure of germ cell carcinoma in patients at risk, i.e. patients with cryptorchidism, infertile men or patients with previous cancer of one testis.

Adult↗

Controlled clinical trial of arginine for infertile men with oligozoospermia.

64 infertile men with oligozoospermia took part in a double blind cross-over trial. Each patient received matching capsules of a placebo and arginine for periods of 12 weeks. There was no difference in the conception rates of the wives or changes in the quality of the semen during each period of treatment.

Arginine↗

Bradykininase and protease inhibitors in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men.

The level of protease acrosin in the seminal plasma of oligozoospermic men was significantly higher than that of normozoospermic men. The amount of bradykininase in the seminal plasma was very high in both normozoospermic and oligozoospermic patients. When the acrosin and kininase content was referred to one million spermatozoa, seminal plasma kininase was significantly enhanced in oligozoospermic men, while the acrosin activity was similar in normozoospermic fertile men and infertile men. Human seminal plasma inhibitor I (HUSI I) increased along with sperm count. Human seminal plasma inhibitor II (HUSI II) showed no change. The motility of spermatozoa was depressed in oligozoospermic patients.

Acrosin↗

Origin of maltase and variations in infertile men.

A specific assay based on the spectrophotometric determination of the release of p-nitrophenol from p-nitrophenol-alpha-D-glucopyranoside by maltase has been used to measure the activity of the enzyme in seminal plasma and in homogenates of accessory reproductive organs. Specific activity of seminal plasma maltase was 467 muU/mg of proteins in 68 fertile men, decreased significantly in varicocele (296 muU/mg), in azoospermia (246 muU/mg) and in vasectomized patients (62 muU/mg). Application of ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-50 columns led to the demonstration that maltase activity of seminal plasma and of cytosols from normal reproductive organs was recovered in three different fractions. Maltase activity is thus frequently decreased in infertility.

Adult↗

Reproducibility of the indirect immunofluorescence test on swollen human spermheads.

Sera of 111 vasectomized men and infertile men and women were tested in each of two laboratories with the indirect immunofluorescence test on swollen human spermatozoa to detect antibodies against nuclear antigens specific to sperm. Comparison of the results revealed complete agreement in 110 of the sera. There were seventeen concordant positive sera (eight out of eighteen sera from vasectomized men, eight out of seventeen sera from infertile men, and one out of seventy-six infertile women). Most of the antibodies were of the IgG class.

Antibodies↗

Malignant germ cell tumor in situ in a cryptorchid testis.

A case of a malignant undifferentiated germ cell tumor in situ of an undescended testis diagnosed by needle biopsy is described. Four similar cases have been so far recorded in the literature, all of them in the infertile men with normally descended descended testes. Two of them developed embryonal carcinoma of testis 4 1/2 later and one had a concomitant seminoma. In a high-risk group of patients (atrophic testis, cryptorchidism), a needle biopsy of a testicle may discover malignancy in its very early phase of development (Stage 0), at which time an orchiectomy alone may be a curative treatment.

Adult↗

Pituitary-gonadal feedback in testicular disorders.

Stimulation response of the pituitary to LHRH and testicular biopsy were investigated in 17 infertile men in comparison to 10 healthy controls. A significant elevation of basal FSH and LHRH-stimulated FSH serum levels was observed in Sertoli cell only syndrome and spermatogenetic arrest, while LH and testosterone remained normal. The LHRH test seems to be of value for differentiation of pretesticular, testicular and posttesticular infertility.

Biopsy↗

Identification of a Novel Splice-Site variant in TACR3 (c.888 + 1G > A) Associated with Asthenozoospermia and Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in an Iranian Family.

BACKGROUND: TACR3 encodes the receptor for neurokinin B, a key regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Disruption of this pathway can impair gonadotropin release and male reproductive function. Given the genetic heterogeneity of male infertility, this study aimed to identify novel variants in TACR3 that may underlie asthenozoospermia and related hormonal abnormalities. METHODS: Fifteen infertile men with confirmed asthenozoospermia were enrolled. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on genomic DNA from peripheral blood, and the candidate variant was validated by Sanger sequencing. Functional predictions were made using PolyPhen-2, SIFT, MutationTaster, and REVEL. TACR3 mRNA expression levels were assessed by real-time PCR in available samples. RESULTS: A novel splice-site variant, TACR3 (NM_001059.3:c.888 + 1G > A), was detected and found to segregate with infertility in one family, appearing homozygously in two infertile brothers and heterozygously in the proband with severe asthenozoospermia. The variant was absent in public and local genomic databases, suggesting its extremely rare frequency. Furthermore, RT-PCR showed a dramatic reduction or complete loss of TACR3 expression in affected individuals, confirming its deleterious effect on splicing and mRNA stability. CONCLUSION: We identified a previously unreported splice-site mutation in TACR3 (c.888 + 1G > A) that likely causes familial infertility by disrupting the neurokinin B/NK3R signaling pathway. While the heterozygous proband exhibited severe asthenozoospermia, the homozygous brothers displayed hormonal profiles typical of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. These findings extend the mutational landscape of TACR3 and highlight its essential contribution to male reproductive endocrinology.

Humans↗

Deoxyribonucleic acid methylation abnormalities at imprinted loci in oligospermic and azoospermic men.

OBJECTIVE: To assess deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation at imprinted and repetitive genomic regions in ejaculated and testicular sperm from men with oligospermia, azoospermia, and those undergoing vasectomy reversal (VR), compared with fertile controls. DESIGN: Observational case-control study. SUBJECTS: Samples were obtained from 68 men, including 29 infertile men (18 oligospermic [5-15 million/mL], 11 severely oligospermic [<5 million/mL]) and 20 fertile controls with confirmed natural conceptions. Testicular tissue was collected from 11 azoospermic men (7 obstructive azoospermia [OA], 4 nonobstructive azoospermia [NOA]) and 8 men with prior paternity undergoing VR. EXPOSURE: Sperm DNA methylation at four imprinted genes (H19, GTL2, MEST, and LIT1) and one repetitive element (LINE1). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Methylation levels at CpG sites determined by bisulfite pyrosequencing. RESULTS: The H19 was significantly hypomethylated only in severe oligospermia compared with fertile controls, whereas other groups showed nonsignificant trends with overlapping distributions. In contrast, MEST was significantly hypermethylated in oligospermic, azoospermic, and VR groups compared with fertile controls. No significant differences were observed for GTL2, LIT1, or LINE1. CONCLUSION: The DNA methylation abnormalities in sperm are locus-specific and vary across infertility phenotypes. MEST alterations were consistent across groups, whereas H19 changes were limited to severe oligospermia. Similar methylation patterns in testicular sperm from azoospermic and VR groups suggest that epigenetic alterations may reflect the testicular environment or obstruction, or differences between testicular and ejaculated sperm.

Humans↗

Varicocele and male fertility.

Over the past 25 years the association of varicocele with male subfertility has been repeatedly demonstrated and the beneficial effect of varicocele ligation in infertile men with oligoasthenospermia has been documented. Since the precise mechanisms by which a varicocele affects spermatogenesis are still unclear, the proper approach to the management of "asymptomatic" varicoceles is controversial.

Adult↗

Effect of prolactin on the glycolytic metabolism of spermatozoa from infertile subjects.

The effect of prolactin on the glycolytic metabolism of spermatozoa from married infertile men whose semen had spermatozoal concentrations of less than 40 million/ml was studied. In a respirometry system, spermatozoa were incubated with L-U-14C-glucose as substrate. Glucose utilization and production of 14C-lactate by the spermatozoa in the presence of 100 ng of ovine prolactin were greater than in the absence of the hormone. The production of pyruvate was 2.5 times less than the production of lactate wehn spermatozoa were incubated in the absence of prolactin and 1.6 times less in the presence of prolactin. These results indicate that, in spite of having an increased glycolytic metabolism, spermatozoa from oligospermic men are are able to show additional glucose utilization in the presence of prolactin.

Adult↗

Association between seminal and serum iron parameters and male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Iron is an essential trace element for normal spermatogenesis, yet excessive iron accumulation may impair male fertility. Preliminary studies imply a link between elevated iron levels and male infertility, but evidence remains limited without systematic quantitative synthesis. This metaanalysis assessed the association between iron concentrations and male infertility. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, CBM, CNKI and Cochrane Library. RevMan, Stata and R were used for data analysis. Randomeffects models pooled effect sizes, with forest and funnel plots generated to evaluate seminal and serum iron levels in male infertility. RESULTS: After screening studies published up to April 2025, a total of ten eligible articles involving 985 participants were finally included in this meta-analysis. Pooled results revealed that seminal and serum iron concentrations were notably higher in infertile males compared with fertile controls. Specifically, infertile men presented higher seminal iron levels (SMD&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.44, 95% CI: 0.12-0.76, P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05), as well as elevated serum iron levels (SMD&#x2009;=&#x2009;3.77, 95% CI: 1.68-5.87, P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). The present results suggest that increased seminal and serum iron concentrations may be potentially correlated with male infertility risk.

Humans↗

Studies on the immunogenicity of protamines in humans and experimental animals by means of a micro-complement fixation test.

A complement fixation study with human, monkey and rabbit sera, using purified sperm nuclear basic proteins as antigens, led to the following conclusions. (1) Protamines, the sperm-specific basic nuclear proteins, may be immunogenic in mammalians. (2) Antibodies detected in the indirect immunofluorescence test on human swollen sperm heads in sera from infertile and vasectomized men, are directed primarily against human protamines. (3) The results obtained suggested that differences in the immunization site and/or in the configuration of the immunizing protamine, may lead to the formation of antibodies directed against different antigenic determinants. Autoimmunity to protamines, following vasectomy or in infertile men, is accompanied by the formation of antibodies cross-reacting with common antigenic determinants present in protamines of other species. Induction of immunity to protamines by means of immunization with protamines-RNA complexes (in rabbits), or protamine-insulin complexes (in humans), leads to the formation of antibodies reacting more specifically with the immunizing protamine, showing only slight cross-reaction with other protamines. (4) The histone-like fraction present in mature human spermatozoa is composed mainly of histone fraction H2B.

Animals↗

The necessity for bilateral biopsy in oligo- and azospermia.

The 384 testicles from 192 infertile men were examined by bilateral biopsy. The main reason of this investigation was to see whether differences in the varying degrees of damage to the seminal epithelium existed in both testicles. Depending on the damage, the material was divided into five groups. The conclusion is, that the greater the degree of damage, the greater are the differences in the findings in both testicles. The left testis was more often and more strongly damaged than the right.

Adult↗

[Dynamic tests with GnRH, L-dopa, clomiphene, cyclophenyl, HCG and HMG in 98 cases of dysspermia due to a variety of causes].

Radioimmunological methods have been used to assay the plasma concentrations of gonadotropins, androgens (expressed as the sum of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) and 17beta-oestradiol in 98 patients suffering from dysspermia of variable etiology, after stimulation with GnRH, Clomiphene, L-Dopa, Cyclophenyl, HCG in various dosage schemes, and HMG. Results show L-Dopa and HMG tests to be of little value in assessing the endocrine function in infertile men. They also confirm, in keeping with data found in the literature the usefulness of dynamic stimulation with GnRH, Clomiphene, and HCG for purposes of andrologic diagnosis. The GnRH proved useful for the distinction between primary and secondary hypogonadotropism as well as for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of releasing factors. The functional efficacy of the endocrine axis which is often impaired in patients with dysspermia can be evaluated by the Clomiphene test. In the small number of cases in which it was applied, Cyclophenyl brought about changes in gonadotropin concentration which require further study. The HCG tests, to be performed in patients with lower than normal testosterone plasma lavels, permits the discrimination between primary and secondary Leydig cell deficiencies as well as the assessment of interstitial tissue sensitivity to chorionic gonadotropin stimulation. Of the three dosage schemes (5000 IU, 7500 IU "step up", 10.000 IU) the last one is most suitable for clinical use.

Adult↗

Immunology and male infertility.

This article has attempted to review evidence that suggests that immune factors may be operative in a small but significant number of infertile men. Although our current understanding of the possible processes by which autosensitization to previously sequestered reproductive antigens occurs is incomplete, there are laboratory assays presently available that give an indication, but do not prove, that immune factors may be contributing to the infertile state. Continued research is needed to develop new assays and more purified sperm antigens, which might enhance our knowledge of the underlying immunoreproductive changes. Until these are available, the following procedures should be considered when investigating a patient with infertility of suspected immune origin. The patient's history should be taken, and a physical examination should be performed. A complete blood count, urinalysis, and complete semen analysis and culture should be taken. Next, in vivo cervical tests (Sims-Huhner) are performed, followed by sperm antibody assessment (serum, semen) and perhaps in vitro cervical mucus sperm assays (especially the crossed hostility test). After the tests have been completed, the following possibe treatments exist: 1. Treatment of underlying infections 2. Correction of obstructions 3. Corticosteroid (or testosterone?) therapy 4. Washed sperm insemination 5. First portion of fresh ejaculate insemination 6. Artificial insemination with homologous donor 7. Adoption.

Agglutination Tests↗

On round-headed human spermatozoa.

In an infertile man and his only, likewise infertile, brother the sperm contained only round-headed spermatozoa. Electron microscopic examination of embedded ejaculate revealed a malformation, viz. absence of acrosomes in all the spermatozoa with consequent lack of normal development of the heads of the spermatozoa. Acrosomeless spermatozoa were also found in the testicular tubuli. No disturbance of the endocrine functions could be demonstrated. The blood cells were of normal male karyotype. Investigation of meiosis, on the other hand, showed rudimentary second division. Two other unrelated infertile men showed the same isolated disturbance in their spermiogram. Treatment with chlomiphene had no effect on the structure of the spermatozoa or on the infertility. The rare disorder, which seems to be a special syndrome, the first hitherto distinguishable among the various types of teratospermia, and its probable background are discussed.

Acrosome↗