Journal of andrology
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Journal of andrology · Nov 2012
Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa decreases the number of motile normal spermatozoa, induces nuclear vacuolization and chromatin decondensation.
Even though cryopreservation of human spermatozoa is known to alter sperm motility and viability, it may also induce nuclear damages. The present study set out to determine whether or not cryopreservation alters motile sperm morphology under high magnification and/or is associated with chromatin decondensation. For 25 infertile men, we used high-magnification microscopy to determine the proportions of various types of motile spermatozoa before and after freezing-thawing: morphometrically normal spermatozoa with no vacuole (grade I), ≤ 2 small vacuoles (grade II), at least 1 large vacuole or >2 small vacuoles (grade III), and morphometrically abnormal spermatozoa (grade IV). ⋯ Cryopreservation alters the organelle morphology of motile human spermatozoa and induces sperm chromatin decondensation. High-magnification microscopy may be useful for evaluating frozen-thawed spermatozoa before use in assisted reproductive technology procedures (such as intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and for performing research on cryopreservation methods. If frozen-thawed sperm is to be used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, morphological selection under high magnification may be of particular value.
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Journal of andrology · Sep 2012
Chronic pain has a negative impact on sexuality in testis cancer survivors.
Testis cancer is a disease that directly affects a man's sense of masculinity and involves treatments compromising sexual function. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and the influence of chronic pain on sexuality in long-term testis cancer survivors. Thus, we examined 539 patients after they had one testis removed because of a testicular germ cell tumor. ⋯ A total of 32.4% of our participants experienced a reduced intensity of orgasm, and 95.4% experienced reduced overall sexual satisfaction. There was a significant correlation between the occurrence of chronic pain symptoms and the relative frequency and intensity of erectile dysfunction, inability to maintain an erection, ejaculation disorders, and reduced intensity of orgasm. In conclusion, chronic pain has a negative impact on sexuality in testis cancer survivors.
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Journal of andrology · Jan 2012
ReviewAcupuncture for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a systematic review.
The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment option for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Eight databases were searched from their inception to October 2010. Randomized clinical trials (RCT) were considered if they tested acupuncture against any control intervention or no therapy in humans with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. ⋯ Only one RCT had a Jadad score of more than 3. The evidence that acupuncture is effective for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is encouraging but, because of several caveats, not conclusive. Therefore, more rigorous studies seem warranted.
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Journal of andrology · Mar 2011
Long-term effects of dimethandrolone 17β-undecanoate and 11β-methyl-19-nortestosterone 17β-dodecylcarbonate on body composition, bone mineral density, serum gonadotropins, and androgenic/anabolic activity in castrated male rats.
The potent androgens dimethandrolone 17β-undecanoate (DMAU) and 11β-methyl-19-nortestosterone 17β-dodecylcarbonate (11β-MNTDC) are in development for androgen replacement therapy and hormonal contraception in men. They can be delivered either orally or as long-acting injectables. In the current study, their long-term effects on body composition (percentage lean and fat mass); bone mineral density (BMD); serum gonadotropin levels; and weights of the prostate, seminal vesicles, and levator ani muscle were assessed. ⋯ Blood was collected from the tail vein at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16 for measurement of serum levels of androgens and at necropsy at week 18 for measurement of serum gonadotropins. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were greatly elevated in Cx rats at week 18 and suppressed to levels comparable to those in intact rats by DMAU, 11β-MNTDC, and T implants (P > .05). Collectively, our data indicate that androgen replacement with DMAU or 11β-MNTDC in Cx rats resulted in favorable changes in body composition and maintenance of BMD comparable to those of T.