We investigated whether letrozole (2.5 mg day-1) improves sperm count in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients. Four men were included in this study, and they had folliculo-stimulating hormone and other hormo...We investigated whether letrozole (2.5 mg day-1) improves sperm count in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients. Four men were included in this study, and they had folliculo-stimulating hormone and other hormone levels within the normal range and no varicoceles or chromosomal aberrations. These four patients were administered letrozole for 3 months. Sperm count, testicular volume, gonadotropin, testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) blood levels were assessed before, during and 1 week after the suspension of treatment. All patients showed spermatozoa in their ejaculate, increased gonadotropin and T levels and lower E2 levels (P〈0.05 in all cases), when letrozole was administered. This suggests that letrozole treatment might improve sperm count in an NOA sub-population; however, more studies, including the proper controls, are needed to confirm its efficacy.展开更多
Aim: To evaluate the outcome of repetitive micro-surgical testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) attempts in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) cases, in relation to patients' initial testicular histology results. M...Aim: To evaluate the outcome of repetitive micro-surgical testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) attempts in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) cases, in relation to patients' initial testicular histology results. Methods: A total of 68 patients with NOA in whom mTESE had been performed in previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) attempts were reviewed. Results: Among the 68 patients with NOA, the first mTESE yielded mature sperm for ICSI in 44 (64%) (Sp^+), and failed in the remaining 24 (36%) (Sp^-). Following their first trial, 24 patients decided to undergo a second mTESE. Of these 24 patients, no spermatozoa were obtained in 5 patients, and Sp^+ but no fertilization/pregnancy were achieved in 19. In these 24 cases, mTESE was successively repeated for two (n = 24), three (n = 4) and four (n = 1) times. The second attempt yielded mature sperm in 3/5 patients from the Sp group and 16/19 patients from the Sp^+ group. At the third and fourth trials, 4/4 and 1/1 of the original Sp^+ patients were Sp^+ again, respectively. Distribution of main testicular histology included Sertoli cell-only syndrome (16%), maturation arrest (22%), hypospermatogenesis (21%) and focal spermatogenesis (41%). Overall, in repetitive mTESE, 24/29 (82%) of the attempts were finally Sp^+. Conclusion: Repeated mTESE in patients with NOA is a feasible option, yielding considerably high sperm recovery rate. In patients with NOA, mTESE may safely be repeated one or more times to increase sperm retrieval rate, as well as to increase the chance of retrieving fresh spermatozoa to enable ICSI.展开更多
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe defect in male reproductive health that occurs in 1% of adult men. In a previous study, we identified that rs7099208 is located within the last intron of FAM160B1 at 10q...Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe defect in male reproductive health that occurs in 1% of adult men. In a previous study, we identified that rs7099208 is located within the last intron of FAM160B1 at 10q25.3. In this study, we analysed expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL) of FAM16OB1, ABLIM1 and TRUB1, the three genes surrounding rs7099208. Only the expression level of FAM16OB1 was reduced for the homozygous alternate genotype (GG) of rs7099208, but not for the homozygous reference or heterozygous geno- types. FAM160B1 is predominantly expressed in human testes, where it is found in spermatocytes and round sper- matids. From 17 patients with NOA and five with obstructive azoospermia (OA), immunohistochemistry revealed that expression of FAM160B1 is reduced, or undetectable in NOA patients, but not in OA cases or normal men. We conclude that rs7099208 is associated with NOA via a reduction in the expression of FAM160B1.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the feasibility of obtaining mature spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) by testicular fine needle aspiration (TEFNA) in men diagnosed non-obstructive azoospermia. Methods:...Objective: To investigate the feasibility of obtaining mature spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) by testicular fine needle aspiration (TEFNA) in men diagnosed non-obstructive azoospermia. Methods: TEFNA was performed in 121 patients with a mean of 15 punctures and aspirations from each testis with a #23 butterfly needle connected to a 20 mL syringe with an aspiration handle. Results: One hundred and twenty-one patients underwent 176 TEFNA cycles. Testicular sperm were recovered in 56.3 % (99/176) cycles from 57 % (69/121) of patients. The sperm recovery rate was 46.7 % (21/45) in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome, 45.7 % (16/35) in patients with maturation arrest, 96.1 % (25/26) in patients with hypospermatogenesis and 63.6 % (7/11) in patients of non-mosaic Klinefelter's syndrome as judged by testicular histology. No sperm were found in 3 cases with post-irradiation fibrosis and one, after resection and chemotherapy of unilateral testicular cancer. In 87 cycles of ICSI using the husbands' sperm, 591 mature oocytes were injected, 218 (36.9 %) were normally fertilized and 202 embryos developed; 178 were transferred in 62 cycles resulting in 26 pregnancies (41.9 %) with 44 gestational sacs (implantation rate: 24.7 %). Conclusion: TEFNA was an efficient, easy to learn, safe and well tolerated treatment in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia.展开更多
As the field of assisted reproduction has advanced, many previously untreatable men are now biological fathers. Although finding sperm in men with obstructive azoospermia is not difficult, locating and retrieving sper...As the field of assisted reproduction has advanced, many previously untreatable men are now biological fathers. Although finding sperm in men with obstructive azoospermia is not difficult, locating and retrieving spermatozoa in men with non-obstructive azoospermia remains a clinical challenge, largely because sperm production in these men can be patchy or focal in nature. In response to this challenge, strategies such as fine-needle aspiration (FNA) mapping have been developed to find spermatozoa. This review discusses the history, evolution and current clinical utility and findings with FNA mapping for male infertility). Review of the current literature in the English language on FNA (diagnostic or therapeutic) with a keyword focuses on sperm detection, retrieval, safety and complications. FNA was described in human medicine over 100 years ago. Testis FNA was described 45 years ago and FNA 'mapping' of spermatozoa was described in 1997. This comparative review of the literature on sperm detection and complication rates with FNA and open testis biopsy or microdissection procedures suggests that FNA is highly informative, minimally invasive and is associated with fewer complications than other commonly used approaches to sperm detection in non-obstructive azoospermic patients. FNA mapping has gained considerable traction as an informative, 'testis sparing' technique for sperm detection in non-obstructive azoospermia. With knowledge of sperm presence and location prior to sperm retrieval, FNA maps can help clinicians tailor sperm retrieval to optimize time, effort and extent of procedures needed to procure spermatozoa in these difficult cases.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the effects of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) ontreatment of infertility due to obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia..Methods: A retrospective analysis of fertilization, cleavage...Objective: To evaluate the effects of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) ontreatment of infertility due to obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia..Methods: A retrospective analysis of fertilization, cleavage, embryo implantationand pregnancy rates was done in 158 ICSI cycles including 112 obstructive azoospermiaand 46 non-obstructive azoospermia. Ovarian hyperstimulation and ICSI procedureswere performed by conventional protocol. The sperm was collected by percutaneous epi-didymal sperm aspiration (PESA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE).Results:The fertilization rate (73.1% vs. 67.0%), cleavage rate (88.6% vs. 86.3%), embryo implantation rate (20.7% vs. 11.4%), clinical pregnancy rate per trans-fer cycle (35.7% vs. 19.6%) were obtained for obstructive and non-obstructiveazoospermia, respectively.Conclusion: The results revealed that in the cases of obstructive azoospermia, ferti-lization rate, embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate were significantlyhigher than those of non-obstructive azoospermia. But there was no significant differ-ence of the cleavage rate between two groups.展开更多
Introduction: Non-invasive methods that can predict sperm recovery in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) arouse interest of clinicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of sperm ...Introduction: Non-invasive methods that can predict sperm recovery in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) arouse interest of clinicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of sperm retrieval in NOA. Materials and Methods: In the retrospective study, fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed on 306 patients with NOA at the department of andrology, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medical Hospital. Inhibin B, FSH and LH plasma levels were analyzed and sperms were retrieved in 67 of 306 cases (21.89%). Results: There were statistically significant differences between successful and unsuccessful sperm recoverygroups in terms of mean serum inhibin B, FSH and LH levels. The areas under the curve (AUC) of inhibin B, FSH and LH were 0.696, 0.729 and 0.747 respectively, and the AUC for the combined value of the three hormones is 0.832. The cut-off points were 27.31 pg/ml, 11.68 IU/L and 4.04 IU/L for inhibin B, FSH and LH respectively. Conclusions: This study suggests that the combined evaluation of inhibin B, FSH and LH is a more effective predictor for successful sperm retrieval in patients with NOA before decision making of an invasive procedure than any single factor.展开更多
Objective: The azoospermia is increasingly becoming prevalent year by year,which has been plaguing a great number of infertile couples. Testes biopsy is a gold index to evaluate the testicular spermatogenesis in patie...Objective: The azoospermia is increasingly becoming prevalent year by year,which has been plaguing a great number of infertile couples. Testes biopsy is a gold index to evaluate the testicular spermatogenesis in patients with anspermia. However, it is more invasive and may not accurately reflect the whole spermatogenic function of the testes. In recent years, with the continuous development of ultrasound and assisted reproductive technology, real-time sonoelastography has been widely applied in the evaluation of spermatogenic function in patients with azoospermia. It is still at the initial stage, but shows good application prospects. In this paper, we will summarize and review the present status of male infertility and the clinical application and research progress of real-time sonoelastography in the evaluation of the testicular spermatogenic function of non-obstructive azoospermia patients.展开更多
Circular RNAs(circRNAs)are highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed noncoding RNAs that participate in multiple reproductionrelated diseases.However,the expression pattern and potential functions of circRNAs in the...Circular RNAs(circRNAs)are highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed noncoding RNAs that participate in multiple reproductionrelated diseases.However,the expression pattern and potential functions of circRNAs in the testes of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia(NOA)remain elusive.In this study,according to a circRNA array,a total of 37881 circRNAs were identified that were differentially expressed in the testes of NOA patients compared with normal controls,including 19874 upregulated circRNAs and 18007 downregulated circRNAs.Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)analysis,we confirmed that the change tendency of some specific circRNAs,including hsa_circ_0137890,hsa_circ_0136298,and hsa_circ_0007273,was consistent with the microarray data in another larger sample.The structures and characteristics of these circRNAs were confirmed by Sanger sequencing,and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that these circRNAs were primarily expressed in the cytoplasm.Bioinformatics analysis was used to construct the competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA)network,and numerous miRNAs that could be paired with circRNAs validated in this study were reported to be vital for spermatogenesis regulation.Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses indicated that genes involved in axoneme assembly,microtubule-based processes,and cell proliferation were significantly enriched.Our data suggest that there are aberrantly expressed circRNA profiles in patients with NOA and that these circRNAs may help identify key diagnostic and therapeutic molecular biomarkers forNoA patients.展开更多
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between monitors of spermatogenesis and predictors of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (...The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between monitors of spermatogenesis and predictors of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) undergoing testicular sperm extraction (TESE). Seventy-nine patients with NOA (mean age: 43.6±5.2 years), each of whom yielded (97 000±3040) spermatozoa with conventional TESE, were considered in our analysis. Their partners (mean age: 35.8±5.1 years) underwent a total of 184 ICSI cycles; 632 oocytes were collected, 221 oocytes were injected, 141 oocytes were fertilized, 121 embryos were obtained, 110 embryos were transferred, 14 clinical pregnancies were achieved and only one miscarriage occurred. Multivariate regression analysis indicated relationships between the percentage of fertilized oocytes, transferred embryos and clinical pregnancies with the following variable values: female partner's age, number of spermatozoa collected, testicular volume, male partner's levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), number of oocytes collected, number of oocytes injected and number of ICSI cycles. A significant inverse relationship was found between female partner's age or male partner's FSH levels and biochemical pregnancies. A significant direct relationship emerged between the number of ICS! cycles and the percentage of oocytes fertilized, embryos transferred and biochemical pregnancies, and between the number of spermatozoa collected per testicular biopsy and biochemical pregnancies. The number of spermatozoa was positively linked to the number of clinical pregnancies, independent of the number of ICSI cycles and the number of oocytes collected/injected. The number of spermatozoa collected, FSH level and testicular volume are monitors of spermatogenesis linked to ICSI success.展开更多
Acute coronary syndromes constitute a variety of myocardial injury presentations that include a subset of patients presenting with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries(MINOCA).This acute corona...Acute coronary syndromes constitute a variety of myocardial injury presentations that include a subset of patients presenting with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries(MINOCA).This acute coronary syndrome differs from type 1 myocardial infarction(MI)regarding patient characteristics,presentation,physiopathology,management,treatment,and prognosis.Two-thirds of MINOCA subjects present ST-segment elevation;MINOCA patients are younger,are more often female and tend to have fewer cardiovascular risk factors.Moreover,MINOCA is a working diagnosis,and defining the aetiologic mechanism is relevant because it affects patient care and prognosis.In the absence of relevant coronary artery disease,myocardial ischaemia might be triggered by an acute event in epicardial coronary arteries,coronary microcirculation,or both.Epicardial causes of MINOCA include coronary plaque disruption,coronary dissection,and coronary spasm.Microvascular MINOCA mechanisms involve microvascular coronary spasm,takotsubo syndrome(TTS),myocarditis,and coronary thromboembolism.Coronary angiography with non-significant coronary stenosis and left ventriculography are first-line tests in the differential study of MINOCA patients.The diagnostic arsenal includes invasive and non-invasive techniques.Medical history and echocardiography can help indicate vasospasm or thrombosis,if one finite coronary territory is affected,or specify TTS if apical ballooning is present.Intravascular ultrasound,optical coherence tomography,and provocative testing are encouraged.Cardiac magnetic resonance is a cornerstone in myocarditis diagnosis.MINOCA is not a benign diagnosis,and its polymorphic forms differ in prognosis.MINOCA care varies across centres,and future multi-centre clinical trials with standardized criteria may have a positive impact on defining optimal cardiovascular care for MINOCA patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND Management of non-neurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria represents one of the most challenging dilemmas in urological practice.The main clinical symptom is the increase in residual urine.Voiding dysfunction is...BACKGROUND Management of non-neurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria represents one of the most challenging dilemmas in urological practice.The main clinical symptom is the increase in residual urine.Voiding dysfunction is the main cause of dysuria or urinary retention,mainly due to the decrease in bladder contraction(the decrease in contraction amplitude or duration)or the increase in outflow tract resistance.Sacral neuromodulation(SNM)has been used for>10 years to treat many kinds of lower urinary tract dysfunction.It has become increasingly popular in China in recent years.Consequently,studies focusing on nonneurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria patients treated by SNM are highly desirable.AIM To assess the outcome of two-stage SNM in non-neurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria.METHODS Clinical data of 54 patients(26 men,28 women)with non-neurogenic,nonobstructive dysuria treated by SNM from January 2012 to December 2016 in ten medical centers in China were retrospectively analyzed.All patients received two or more conservative treatments.The voiding diary,urgency score,and quality of life score before operation,after implantation of tined lead in stage I(test period),and during short-term follow-up(latest follow-up)after implantation of the implanted pulse generator in stage II were compared to observe symptom improvements.RESULTS Among the 54 study patients,eight refused to implant an implanted pulse generator because of the unsatisfactory effect,and 46 chose to embed the implanted pulse generator at the end of stage I.The conversion rate of stage I to stage II was 85.2%.The average follow-up time was 18.6 mo.There were significant differences between baseline(before stage I)and the test period(after stage I)in residual urine,voiding frequency,average voiding amount,maximum voiding amount,nocturia,urgency score,and quality of life score.The residual urine and urgency score between the test period and the latest follow-up time(after stage II)were also significantly different.No significant differences were observed for other parameters.No wound infection,electrode breakage,or other irreversible adverse events occurred.CONCLUSION SNM is effective for patients with non-neurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria showing a poor response to traditional treatment.The duration of continuous stimulation may be positively correlated with the improvement of residual urine.展开更多
Objective The utility of non-obstructive coronary artery diseases(NOCAD) in cardiovascular events (CVE) among Chinese patients has less been evaluated. Our objective was to investigate the prognostic value of NOCAD in...Objective The utility of non-obstructive coronary artery diseases(NOCAD) in cardiovascular events (CVE) among Chinese patients has less been evaluated. Our objective was to investigate the prognostic value of NOCAD in patients with angina-like chest pain detected by coronary angiography (CAG) in a large Chinese cohort study.展开更多
Objective The protein interacting with C kinase 1(PICK1)plays a critical role in vesicle trafficking,and its deficiency in sperm cells results in abnormal vesicle trafficking from Golgi to acrosome,which eventually di...Objective The protein interacting with C kinase 1(PICK1)plays a critical role in vesicle trafficking,and its deficiency in sperm cells results in abnormal vesicle trafficking from Golgi to acrosome,which eventually disrupts acrosome formation and leads to male infertility.Methods An azoospermia sample was filtered,and the laboratory detection and clinical phenotype indicated typical azoospermia in the patient.We sequenced all of the exons in the PICK1 gene and found that there was a novel homozygous variant in the PICK1 gene,c.364delA(p.Lys122SerfsX8),and this protein structure truncating variant seriously affected the biological function.Then we constructed a PICK1 knockout mouse model using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat cutting technology(CRISPRc).Results The sperm from PICK1 knockout mice showed acrosome and nucleus abnormalities,as well as dysfunctional mitochondrial sheath formation.Both the total sperm and motility sperm counts were decreased in the PICK1 knockout mice compared to wild-type mice.Moreover,the mitochondrial dysfunction was verified in the mice.These defects in the male PICK1 knockout mice may have eventually led to complete infertility.Conclusion The c.364delA novel variant in the PICK1 gene associated with clinical infertility,and pathogenic variants in the PICK1 may cause azoospermia or asthenospermia by impairing mitochondrial function in both mice and humans.展开更多
Background:Some cases of non-obstructive azoospermia(NOA)are characterized by normal clinical parameters,including testicular volume and levels of reproductive hormones,mimicking obstructive azoospermia(OA).Methods:We...Background:Some cases of non-obstructive azoospermia(NOA)are characterized by normal clinical parameters,including testicular volume and levels of reproductive hormones,mimicking obstructive azoospermia(OA).Methods:We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 1417 patients undergoing primary surgical sperm retrieval between 2014 and 2023.Follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)level below 7.6 IU/l and normal testicular size with a long axis measurement>4.6 cm were used as criteria to suspect OA.Results:Four hundred and eighteen patients with normal testicular volume and FSH levels had an initial diagnosis of OA.Among them,243(58.1%)had histological signs of spermatogenic dysfunction,and 175(41.9%)had true OA.One hundred eleven patients had long-standing obstruction(median:16.5 years)with a median Bergmann-Kliesch score(BKS)of 5(interquartile range[IQR]:4-6)and 100%sperm retrieval rate(SRR),though some required microdissection testicular sperm extraction(microTESE).Fifty-eight patients with a history of epididymo-orchitis had a median BKS of 4(IQR:2-6)and 100%SRR.Twenty patients with a history of unjustified medical treatment for male infertility had a median BKS of 3(IQR:1-4)and 80%SRR.Fifty-four patients had uniform maturation arrest with a 5.5%SRR on microTESE.Conclusion:Men with normal testicular volume and FSH level may have evidence of spermatogenic failure on pathology.Patients with complicated seminal tract obstruction commonly have hypospermatogenesis,but true NOA caused by uniform maturation arrest may also be observed.Patient counseling for suspected OA should not be overly optimistic,and couples should be warned about possibility of conversion to microTESE and risks of negative sperm retrieval.展开更多
文摘We investigated whether letrozole (2.5 mg day-1) improves sperm count in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients. Four men were included in this study, and they had folliculo-stimulating hormone and other hormone levels within the normal range and no varicoceles or chromosomal aberrations. These four patients were administered letrozole for 3 months. Sperm count, testicular volume, gonadotropin, testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) blood levels were assessed before, during and 1 week after the suspension of treatment. All patients showed spermatozoa in their ejaculate, increased gonadotropin and T levels and lower E2 levels (P〈0.05 in all cases), when letrozole was administered. This suggests that letrozole treatment might improve sperm count in an NOA sub-population; however, more studies, including the proper controls, are needed to confirm its efficacy.
文摘Aim: To evaluate the outcome of repetitive micro-surgical testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) attempts in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) cases, in relation to patients' initial testicular histology results. Methods: A total of 68 patients with NOA in whom mTESE had been performed in previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) attempts were reviewed. Results: Among the 68 patients with NOA, the first mTESE yielded mature sperm for ICSI in 44 (64%) (Sp^+), and failed in the remaining 24 (36%) (Sp^-). Following their first trial, 24 patients decided to undergo a second mTESE. Of these 24 patients, no spermatozoa were obtained in 5 patients, and Sp^+ but no fertilization/pregnancy were achieved in 19. In these 24 cases, mTESE was successively repeated for two (n = 24), three (n = 4) and four (n = 1) times. The second attempt yielded mature sperm in 3/5 patients from the Sp group and 16/19 patients from the Sp^+ group. At the third and fourth trials, 4/4 and 1/1 of the original Sp^+ patients were Sp^+ again, respectively. Distribution of main testicular histology included Sertoli cell-only syndrome (16%), maturation arrest (22%), hypospermatogenesis (21%) and focal spermatogenesis (41%). Overall, in repetitive mTESE, 24/29 (82%) of the attempts were finally Sp^+. Conclusion: Repeated mTESE in patients with NOA is a feasible option, yielding considerably high sperm recovery rate. In patients with NOA, mTESE may safely be repeated one or more times to increase sperm retrieval rate, as well as to increase the chance of retrieving fresh spermatozoa to enable ICSI.
基金supported by the grants from the 973 program(2011CB944304 and 2015CB943003)
文摘Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe defect in male reproductive health that occurs in 1% of adult men. In a previous study, we identified that rs7099208 is located within the last intron of FAM160B1 at 10q25.3. In this study, we analysed expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL) of FAM16OB1, ABLIM1 and TRUB1, the three genes surrounding rs7099208. Only the expression level of FAM16OB1 was reduced for the homozygous alternate genotype (GG) of rs7099208, but not for the homozygous reference or heterozygous geno- types. FAM160B1 is predominantly expressed in human testes, where it is found in spermatocytes and round sper- matids. From 17 patients with NOA and five with obstructive azoospermia (OA), immunohistochemistry revealed that expression of FAM160B1 is reduced, or undetectable in NOA patients, but not in OA cases or normal men. We conclude that rs7099208 is associated with NOA via a reduction in the expression of FAM160B1.
文摘Objective: To investigate the feasibility of obtaining mature spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) by testicular fine needle aspiration (TEFNA) in men diagnosed non-obstructive azoospermia. Methods: TEFNA was performed in 121 patients with a mean of 15 punctures and aspirations from each testis with a #23 butterfly needle connected to a 20 mL syringe with an aspiration handle. Results: One hundred and twenty-one patients underwent 176 TEFNA cycles. Testicular sperm were recovered in 56.3 % (99/176) cycles from 57 % (69/121) of patients. The sperm recovery rate was 46.7 % (21/45) in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome, 45.7 % (16/35) in patients with maturation arrest, 96.1 % (25/26) in patients with hypospermatogenesis and 63.6 % (7/11) in patients of non-mosaic Klinefelter's syndrome as judged by testicular histology. No sperm were found in 3 cases with post-irradiation fibrosis and one, after resection and chemotherapy of unilateral testicular cancer. In 87 cycles of ICSI using the husbands' sperm, 591 mature oocytes were injected, 218 (36.9 %) were normally fertilized and 202 embryos developed; 178 were transferred in 62 cycles resulting in 26 pregnancies (41.9 %) with 44 gestational sacs (implantation rate: 24.7 %). Conclusion: TEFNA was an efficient, easy to learn, safe and well tolerated treatment in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia.
文摘As the field of assisted reproduction has advanced, many previously untreatable men are now biological fathers. Although finding sperm in men with obstructive azoospermia is not difficult, locating and retrieving spermatozoa in men with non-obstructive azoospermia remains a clinical challenge, largely because sperm production in these men can be patchy or focal in nature. In response to this challenge, strategies such as fine-needle aspiration (FNA) mapping have been developed to find spermatozoa. This review discusses the history, evolution and current clinical utility and findings with FNA mapping for male infertility). Review of the current literature in the English language on FNA (diagnostic or therapeutic) with a keyword focuses on sperm detection, retrieval, safety and complications. FNA was described in human medicine over 100 years ago. Testis FNA was described 45 years ago and FNA 'mapping' of spermatozoa was described in 1997. This comparative review of the literature on sperm detection and complication rates with FNA and open testis biopsy or microdissection procedures suggests that FNA is highly informative, minimally invasive and is associated with fewer complications than other commonly used approaches to sperm detection in non-obstructive azoospermic patients. FNA mapping has gained considerable traction as an informative, 'testis sparing' technique for sperm detection in non-obstructive azoospermia. With knowledge of sperm presence and location prior to sperm retrieval, FNA maps can help clinicians tailor sperm retrieval to optimize time, effort and extent of procedures needed to procure spermatozoa in these difficult cases.
文摘Objective: To evaluate the effects of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) ontreatment of infertility due to obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia..Methods: A retrospective analysis of fertilization, cleavage, embryo implantationand pregnancy rates was done in 158 ICSI cycles including 112 obstructive azoospermiaand 46 non-obstructive azoospermia. Ovarian hyperstimulation and ICSI procedureswere performed by conventional protocol. The sperm was collected by percutaneous epi-didymal sperm aspiration (PESA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE).Results:The fertilization rate (73.1% vs. 67.0%), cleavage rate (88.6% vs. 86.3%), embryo implantation rate (20.7% vs. 11.4%), clinical pregnancy rate per trans-fer cycle (35.7% vs. 19.6%) were obtained for obstructive and non-obstructiveazoospermia, respectively.Conclusion: The results revealed that in the cases of obstructive azoospermia, ferti-lization rate, embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate were significantlyhigher than those of non-obstructive azoospermia. But there was no significant differ-ence of the cleavage rate between two groups.
文摘Introduction: Non-invasive methods that can predict sperm recovery in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) arouse interest of clinicians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of sperm retrieval in NOA. Materials and Methods: In the retrospective study, fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed on 306 patients with NOA at the department of andrology, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medical Hospital. Inhibin B, FSH and LH plasma levels were analyzed and sperms were retrieved in 67 of 306 cases (21.89%). Results: There were statistically significant differences between successful and unsuccessful sperm recoverygroups in terms of mean serum inhibin B, FSH and LH levels. The areas under the curve (AUC) of inhibin B, FSH and LH were 0.696, 0.729 and 0.747 respectively, and the AUC for the combined value of the three hormones is 0.832. The cut-off points were 27.31 pg/ml, 11.68 IU/L and 4.04 IU/L for inhibin B, FSH and LH respectively. Conclusions: This study suggests that the combined evaluation of inhibin B, FSH and LH is a more effective predictor for successful sperm retrieval in patients with NOA before decision making of an invasive procedure than any single factor.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province(2016CFC749).
文摘Objective: The azoospermia is increasingly becoming prevalent year by year,which has been plaguing a great number of infertile couples. Testes biopsy is a gold index to evaluate the testicular spermatogenesis in patients with anspermia. However, it is more invasive and may not accurately reflect the whole spermatogenic function of the testes. In recent years, with the continuous development of ultrasound and assisted reproductive technology, real-time sonoelastography has been widely applied in the evaluation of spermatogenic function in patients with azoospermia. It is still at the initial stage, but shows good application prospects. In this paper, we will summarize and review the present status of male infertility and the clinical application and research progress of real-time sonoelastography in the evaluation of the testicular spermatogenic function of non-obstructive azoospermia patients.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81901535,No.82071698)the National Key Research and Developmental Program of China(No.2021YFC2700203)the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality(No.722208).
文摘Circular RNAs(circRNAs)are highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed noncoding RNAs that participate in multiple reproductionrelated diseases.However,the expression pattern and potential functions of circRNAs in the testes of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia(NOA)remain elusive.In this study,according to a circRNA array,a total of 37881 circRNAs were identified that were differentially expressed in the testes of NOA patients compared with normal controls,including 19874 upregulated circRNAs and 18007 downregulated circRNAs.Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)analysis,we confirmed that the change tendency of some specific circRNAs,including hsa_circ_0137890,hsa_circ_0136298,and hsa_circ_0007273,was consistent with the microarray data in another larger sample.The structures and characteristics of these circRNAs were confirmed by Sanger sequencing,and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that these circRNAs were primarily expressed in the cytoplasm.Bioinformatics analysis was used to construct the competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA)network,and numerous miRNAs that could be paired with circRNAs validated in this study were reported to be vital for spermatogenesis regulation.Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses indicated that genes involved in axoneme assembly,microtubule-based processes,and cell proliferation were significantly enriched.Our data suggest that there are aberrantly expressed circRNA profiles in patients with NOA and that these circRNAs may help identify key diagnostic and therapeutic molecular biomarkers forNoA patients.
文摘The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between monitors of spermatogenesis and predictors of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) undergoing testicular sperm extraction (TESE). Seventy-nine patients with NOA (mean age: 43.6±5.2 years), each of whom yielded (97 000±3040) spermatozoa with conventional TESE, were considered in our analysis. Their partners (mean age: 35.8±5.1 years) underwent a total of 184 ICSI cycles; 632 oocytes were collected, 221 oocytes were injected, 141 oocytes were fertilized, 121 embryos were obtained, 110 embryos were transferred, 14 clinical pregnancies were achieved and only one miscarriage occurred. Multivariate regression analysis indicated relationships between the percentage of fertilized oocytes, transferred embryos and clinical pregnancies with the following variable values: female partner's age, number of spermatozoa collected, testicular volume, male partner's levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), number of oocytes collected, number of oocytes injected and number of ICSI cycles. A significant inverse relationship was found between female partner's age or male partner's FSH levels and biochemical pregnancies. A significant direct relationship emerged between the number of ICS! cycles and the percentage of oocytes fertilized, embryos transferred and biochemical pregnancies, and between the number of spermatozoa collected per testicular biopsy and biochemical pregnancies. The number of spermatozoa was positively linked to the number of clinical pregnancies, independent of the number of ICSI cycles and the number of oocytes collected/injected. The number of spermatozoa collected, FSH level and testicular volume are monitors of spermatogenesis linked to ICSI success.
文摘Acute coronary syndromes constitute a variety of myocardial injury presentations that include a subset of patients presenting with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries(MINOCA).This acute coronary syndrome differs from type 1 myocardial infarction(MI)regarding patient characteristics,presentation,physiopathology,management,treatment,and prognosis.Two-thirds of MINOCA subjects present ST-segment elevation;MINOCA patients are younger,are more often female and tend to have fewer cardiovascular risk factors.Moreover,MINOCA is a working diagnosis,and defining the aetiologic mechanism is relevant because it affects patient care and prognosis.In the absence of relevant coronary artery disease,myocardial ischaemia might be triggered by an acute event in epicardial coronary arteries,coronary microcirculation,or both.Epicardial causes of MINOCA include coronary plaque disruption,coronary dissection,and coronary spasm.Microvascular MINOCA mechanisms involve microvascular coronary spasm,takotsubo syndrome(TTS),myocarditis,and coronary thromboembolism.Coronary angiography with non-significant coronary stenosis and left ventriculography are first-line tests in the differential study of MINOCA patients.The diagnostic arsenal includes invasive and non-invasive techniques.Medical history and echocardiography can help indicate vasospasm or thrombosis,if one finite coronary territory is affected,or specify TTS if apical ballooning is present.Intravascular ultrasound,optical coherence tomography,and provocative testing are encouraged.Cardiac magnetic resonance is a cornerstone in myocarditis diagnosis.MINOCA is not a benign diagnosis,and its polymorphic forms differ in prognosis.MINOCA care varies across centres,and future multi-centre clinical trials with standardized criteria may have a positive impact on defining optimal cardiovascular care for MINOCA patients.
基金Supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2018YFC2002202.
文摘BACKGROUND Management of non-neurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria represents one of the most challenging dilemmas in urological practice.The main clinical symptom is the increase in residual urine.Voiding dysfunction is the main cause of dysuria or urinary retention,mainly due to the decrease in bladder contraction(the decrease in contraction amplitude or duration)or the increase in outflow tract resistance.Sacral neuromodulation(SNM)has been used for>10 years to treat many kinds of lower urinary tract dysfunction.It has become increasingly popular in China in recent years.Consequently,studies focusing on nonneurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria patients treated by SNM are highly desirable.AIM To assess the outcome of two-stage SNM in non-neurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria.METHODS Clinical data of 54 patients(26 men,28 women)with non-neurogenic,nonobstructive dysuria treated by SNM from January 2012 to December 2016 in ten medical centers in China were retrospectively analyzed.All patients received two or more conservative treatments.The voiding diary,urgency score,and quality of life score before operation,after implantation of tined lead in stage I(test period),and during short-term follow-up(latest follow-up)after implantation of the implanted pulse generator in stage II were compared to observe symptom improvements.RESULTS Among the 54 study patients,eight refused to implant an implanted pulse generator because of the unsatisfactory effect,and 46 chose to embed the implanted pulse generator at the end of stage I.The conversion rate of stage I to stage II was 85.2%.The average follow-up time was 18.6 mo.There were significant differences between baseline(before stage I)and the test period(after stage I)in residual urine,voiding frequency,average voiding amount,maximum voiding amount,nocturia,urgency score,and quality of life score.The residual urine and urgency score between the test period and the latest follow-up time(after stage II)were also significantly different.No significant differences were observed for other parameters.No wound infection,electrode breakage,or other irreversible adverse events occurred.CONCLUSION SNM is effective for patients with non-neurogenic,non-obstructive dysuria showing a poor response to traditional treatment.The duration of continuous stimulation may be positively correlated with the improvement of residual urine.
文摘Objective The utility of non-obstructive coronary artery diseases(NOCAD) in cardiovascular events (CVE) among Chinese patients has less been evaluated. Our objective was to investigate the prognostic value of NOCAD in patients with angina-like chest pain detected by coronary angiography (CAG) in a large Chinese cohort study.
基金supported by grants from Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.LQ21H200007)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82202605,No.81772664 and No.82172363)+1 种基金Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital Excellent Scientific Research Start-up Fundation of China(No.ZRY2019C008)Hangzhou Medical College Fundamental Scientific Research Project of China(No.KYQN202116).
文摘Objective The protein interacting with C kinase 1(PICK1)plays a critical role in vesicle trafficking,and its deficiency in sperm cells results in abnormal vesicle trafficking from Golgi to acrosome,which eventually disrupts acrosome formation and leads to male infertility.Methods An azoospermia sample was filtered,and the laboratory detection and clinical phenotype indicated typical azoospermia in the patient.We sequenced all of the exons in the PICK1 gene and found that there was a novel homozygous variant in the PICK1 gene,c.364delA(p.Lys122SerfsX8),and this protein structure truncating variant seriously affected the biological function.Then we constructed a PICK1 knockout mouse model using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat cutting technology(CRISPRc).Results The sperm from PICK1 knockout mice showed acrosome and nucleus abnormalities,as well as dysfunctional mitochondrial sheath formation.Both the total sperm and motility sperm counts were decreased in the PICK1 knockout mice compared to wild-type mice.Moreover,the mitochondrial dysfunction was verified in the mice.These defects in the male PICK1 knockout mice may have eventually led to complete infertility.Conclusion The c.364delA novel variant in the PICK1 gene associated with clinical infertility,and pathogenic variants in the PICK1 may cause azoospermia or asthenospermia by impairing mitochondrial function in both mice and humans.
文摘Background:Some cases of non-obstructive azoospermia(NOA)are characterized by normal clinical parameters,including testicular volume and levels of reproductive hormones,mimicking obstructive azoospermia(OA).Methods:We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 1417 patients undergoing primary surgical sperm retrieval between 2014 and 2023.Follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)level below 7.6 IU/l and normal testicular size with a long axis measurement>4.6 cm were used as criteria to suspect OA.Results:Four hundred and eighteen patients with normal testicular volume and FSH levels had an initial diagnosis of OA.Among them,243(58.1%)had histological signs of spermatogenic dysfunction,and 175(41.9%)had true OA.One hundred eleven patients had long-standing obstruction(median:16.5 years)with a median Bergmann-Kliesch score(BKS)of 5(interquartile range[IQR]:4-6)and 100%sperm retrieval rate(SRR),though some required microdissection testicular sperm extraction(microTESE).Fifty-eight patients with a history of epididymo-orchitis had a median BKS of 4(IQR:2-6)and 100%SRR.Twenty patients with a history of unjustified medical treatment for male infertility had a median BKS of 3(IQR:1-4)and 80%SRR.Fifty-four patients had uniform maturation arrest with a 5.5%SRR on microTESE.Conclusion:Men with normal testicular volume and FSH level may have evidence of spermatogenic failure on pathology.Patients with complicated seminal tract obstruction commonly have hypospermatogenesis,but true NOA caused by uniform maturation arrest may also be observed.Patient counseling for suspected OA should not be overly optimistic,and couples should be warned about possibility of conversion to microTESE and risks of negative sperm retrieval.