Andrologia最新文献

{"title":"Highly Soybean Meal Extract (SME) Effects on Erectile Function: Alterations in Corporal Smooth Muscle and Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression","authors":"Wei-Kung Tsai,&nbsp;Chi-Jen Chang,&nbsp;Chellappan Praveen Rajneesh,&nbsp;Chi-Feng Hung,&nbsp;Kuo-Chiang Chen,&nbsp;Xiao-Wen Tseng,&nbsp;Jai-Hong Cheng,&nbsp;Han-Sun Chiang,&nbsp;Shiu-Dong Chung,&nbsp;Yi-No Wu","doi":"10.1155/and/9404726","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/and/9404726","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The effects of soybean meal extract (SME) on erectile function (EF) in rats were analyzed in this study by specifically exploring changes in corpus cavernosum (CC) structure, neurophysiological biomarker levels, and hormonal dynamics. After a 14-day feeding period of 24 male juvenile rats, SME substantially decreased intracavernosal pressure (ICP) (50–55 cmH₂O) and testosterone levels (SME 100 = 1.43 ng/mL; SME 50 = 0.44 ng/mL). Histological and immunofluorescent analyses revealed a marked reduction in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and the expression of neural markers including neurofilament-1 (NF-1), neuronal nuclear (NeuN) antigen, β-III-tubulin, S100 protein, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the cavernous and dorsal penile nerves (DPNs). Western blot analysis was performed on whole penile tissue to substantiate these findings and to assess global protein expression. The results showed a dose-dependent modulation of α-SMA and downward trends in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nNOS protein levels following SME treatment, confirming SME’s effect of SME on the smooth muscle phenotype and nitric oxide signaling. These results suggest that phytoestrogens in SME may disrupt hormonal balance, neuronal integrity, and vascular signaling, collectively impairing EF. This study underscores the importance of evaluating dietary SME exposure, particularly in relation to the reproductive health of young adult males.</p>","PeriodicalId":7817,"journal":{"name":"Andrologia","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/and/9404726","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145694943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibition of Prostate Cancer Progression by Exosomal MiR-486-3p","authors":"Bing-zhi Wang,&nbsp;Xiao-fei Sun,&nbsp;Min-jun Jiang,&nbsp;Jian-chun Chen,&nbsp;Peng-wei Xu","doi":"10.1155/and/2357023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/and/2357023","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The global burden of prostate cancer (PC) is considerable, as it is one of the most prevalent male malignancies, posing notable challenges to treatment and prognosis. While targeted therapies have expanded therapeutic options, novel molecular strategies are still needed. This investigation assessed the impact of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMMSC-Exos) enriched with microRNA-486-3p (miR-486-3p) on the malignant properties of PC cells.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 100 prostatectomy patients provided tumor and adjacent nontumorous prostate tissues during the period 2021–2022. BMMSC-Exos were isolated, verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and western blotting, and then cocultured with human PC-3 cells. Expression of miR-486-3p was modulated using miRNA mimics and inhibitors. Functional assays, including reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell migration, and flow cytometry, were used to assess cell viability, migration, and apoptosis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>BMMSC-Exos exhibited typical exosomal morphology and expressed high levels of CD63, CD81, and CD9. In comparison to matched normal tissues, miR-486-3p was notably suppressed in tumor samples, but highly enriched in BMMSC-Exos compared to BMMSCs. miR-486-3p enrichment in BMMSC-Exos led to a notable decrease in PC-3 cell proliferation and motility, along with increased apoptotic activity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Through suppression of proliferation and migration and induction of apoptosis, BMMSC-Exo-derived miR-486-3p exerts antitumor effects in PC in vitro. The observed effects suggest the potential therapeutic value of BMMSC-Exos as a delivery vehicle for miR-486-3p and provide new insights into targeted strategies for PC treatment.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7817,"journal":{"name":"Andrologia","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/and/2357023","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145626023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Baseline Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio is Associated With Poorer Response to Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: A Two-Centre Retrospective Cohort","authors":"Nuh Aldemir,&nbsp;İbrahim Üntan,&nbsp;Akın Demirleğen","doi":"10.1155/and/6301964","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/and/6301964","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) is explored for erectile dysfunction (ED), yet guideline recommendations remain cautious. Simple blood-count ratios such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) may help identify who benefits.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To evaluate whether baseline NLR/PLR are associated with, and can discriminate, clinical response to Li-ESWT.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Retrospective, two-centre cohort. We analysed 160 men with ED treated with a standardized 12-session Li-ESWT protocol; 100 men without ED (5-item International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF-5] ≥22) served only for baseline comparisons and were excluded from outcome/prediction analyses. Erectile function (IIEF-5) was recorded at baseline, end of treatment, and Month 6. The primary endpoint was response at Month 6, defined a priori as the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of <i>Δ</i>IIEF-5 ≥ 4. ROC analyses and multivariable logistic regression were adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. Preanalytic CBC screening minimized inflammatory confounding.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Response occurred in 110/160 (68.8%). NLR was higher in nonresponders than responders and controls (2.27 ± 0.71 vs. 1.63 ± 0.52 and 1.69 ± 0.60; <i>p</i>  &lt; 0.001), whereas PLR differences were smaller (<i>p</i> = 0.032). NLR discriminated responders from nonresponders with an AUC of 0.752 (95% CI 0.672–0.831); the Youden-optimal cutoff was 1.93 (sensitivity 72%, specificity 71%; PPV 85%, NPV 54). PLR showed weaker discrimination (AUC 0.610, 95% CI 0.520–0.701). In multivariable models, baseline NLR (per 1-SD) independently predicted nonresponse (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.70–4.62; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), while PLR did not (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.83–1.89; <i>p</i> = 0.29). Hypertension was also associated with nonresponse (OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.43–9.77; <i>p</i> = 0.007).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this two-centre cohort, baseline NLR, measured on routine CBC, was associated with Li-ESWT nonresponse and provided moderate discrimination, whereas PLR performed weakly. NLR may support pretreatment risk-stratification, but prospective, sham-controlled validation and external threshold calibration are needed before clinical adoption.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7817,"journal":{"name":"Andrologia","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/and/6301964","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145581349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Effects of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by Nigella sativa Against Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Damage in Mice","authors":"Sepideh Ochi Ardabili,&nbsp;Sima Ahmadi,&nbsp;Ramin Salimnejad,&nbsp;Reza Alipanah-Moghadam,&nbsp;Farhad Jeddi,&nbsp;Solmaz Feizpoor,&nbsp;Fatemeh Ahmadnia","doi":"10.1155/and/4634357","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/and/4634357","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis is one of the main reasons for male infertility. Investigations have indicated that metal nanoparticles synthesized by medicinal plants can reduce testicular tissue damage. We investigate the green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using <i>Nigella sativa</i> extract effects on cisplatin (Cis)-induced testicular tissue injury in male mice. Thirty adult male mice were divided into five groups including control, Cis, ZnO NPs (25 mg kg⁻¹) + Cis, extract (200 mg kg⁻¹) + Cis, and ZnO NPs/extract (200 mg kg⁻¹) + Cis. The experiment was carried out over a 14-day period, with a single IP injection of Cis (7.5 mg kg⁻¹) administered on the fifth day. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) staining was employed for histopathological evaluation. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content in tissue was determined by the thiobarbituric acid method. Gene expression levels were assessed using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Severe histopathological damage to testicular tissue was observed in the Cis-treated group. Treatment with ZnO nanoparticles derived from <i>N. sativa</i> extract markedly attenuated testicular tissue damage and led to an improvement in the Johnson score. ZnO NPs synthesized using <i>N. sativa</i> extract significantly upregulated antioxidant-related genes, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), while downregulating apoptosis-associated markers such as Bax and caspase-3 (<i>p</i>  &lt; 0.05). Moreover, tissue MDA levels were notably reduced compared to the Cis-treated group (<i>p</i>  &lt; 0.05). Our findings demonstrate that ZnO NPs synthesized with <i>N. sativa</i> exert a significant protective effect against Cis-induced testicular damage, likely through the inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways.</p>","PeriodicalId":7817,"journal":{"name":"Andrologia","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/and/4634357","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145469957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intelligent Wearable Devices for Monitoring Sleep Parameters in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction","authors":"Wei Zhang,&nbsp;Xianchao Sun,&nbsp;Hao Geng,&nbsp;Tao Zhou,&nbsp;Jing Chang,&nbsp;Ci Zou","doi":"10.1155/and/4545418","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/and/4545418","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The alteration of sleep patterns can lead to bias in the observation of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR). The validity of sleep-related erections (SREs) is questioned when sleep quality is affected. Not all NPTR results accurately reflect the reality of ED patients.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The present study aims to simultaneously monitor sleep and NPTR monitoring in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), thereby evaluating the effect of sleep on NPTR monitoring and validating the reliability of NPTR monitoring data obtained from RigiScan.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The present study recruited patients who had an International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score ≤21 and had ED greater than 6 months duration. Then all participants were subjected to the following: NPTR assessment utilizing RigiScan devices; sleep assessment using a Fitbit Charge 2 wristband.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Eighty-six patients (age 29.8 ± 7.09 and BMI 24.3 ± 3.62) with complaints of ED were included. Stratification analysis showed that patients with abnormal NPTR results had a shorter total sleep time (TST) and time in rapid eye movement (REM). The duration of tip erections ≥60% of the men with short TST was significantly longer than the not short group. The results showed that the time in REM of population with was positively correlated with the TST and the duration of NPTR. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed between the normal and the abnormal NPTR groups, and the parameter with the highest diagnostic accuracy was the time in REM.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our study confirmed that sleep states comprising TST and REM are closely related to nocturnal erection. It is necessary to perform sleep monitoring when completing NPTR examinations for patients suspected of suffering from ED.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7817,"journal":{"name":"Andrologia","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/and/4545418","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145469669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Role of Silymarin in Regulating Cytokine Expression and Antioxidant Status in Testicular Tissue of Hyperglycemic Rats","authors":"Hossein Sheikhalislami,&nbsp;Masoumeh Moradi-Ozarlou,&nbsp;Yaser Jafari,&nbsp;Mazdak Razi","doi":"10.1155/and/1749969","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/and/1749969","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study investigated the effects of silymarin (SMN) on hyperglycemia (HPG)-induced testicular dysfunction, focusing on cytokine expression, antioxidant and endocrine status, and spermatogenesis in a rat model. Rats were divided into three groups: control, HPG-sole, and SMN-treated (50 mg/kg orally). Over 58 days, parameters such as Leydig cell steroidogenic activity, sperm count, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]), serum testosterone levels, and testicular antioxidant markers (total antioxidant capacity [TAC], malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], and glutathione reductase [GR]) were assessed. HPG disrupted spermatogenesis, upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, reduced Leydig cell activity, suppressed testosterone production, and caused oxidative stress, as evidenced by decreased antioxidant markers and increased MDA levels. SMN treatment significantly improved these outcomes, restoring Leydig cell function, increasing sperm count and testosterone levels, normalizing cytokine expression, and enhancing antioxidant defense (TAC, SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR), while reducing MDA levels. These findings demonstrate that SMN ameliorates HPG-induced testicular damage by mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent. SMN’s dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions underscore its promise in managing infertility associated with HPG-induced testicular dysfunction, offering a protective strategy to restore testicular health and function.</p>","PeriodicalId":7817,"journal":{"name":"Andrologia","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/and/1749969","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145469983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Does the Reduction of Sexual Abstinence Influence Sperm DNA Fragmentation? Exploring the Relationship Between the Two Parameters","authors":"Stefano Castellano,&nbsp;Edoardo Carnesi,&nbsp;Elena Albani,&nbsp;Ozgur Bulbul,&nbsp;Antonella Smeraldi,&nbsp;Massimo Romano,&nbsp;Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti","doi":"10.1155/and/2060268","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/and/2060268","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The exact mechanisms underlying age-related sperm decline remain unclear. Factors like increased free radicals and prolonged sexual abstinence (SA) have been explored in literature. Recent studies suggest that shorter SA may positively affect sperm parameters, though results are controversial.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This retrospective analysis investigated whether reduced SA provides measurable benefits for sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in patsperm DNA fragmentationients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), across different age groups.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>1030 patients underwent both sperm analysis and SDF evaluation. The dataset was both studied entirely and split in groups with generalized linear model (GLM) and quantile regression analyses. Primarily, we considered four groups based on patients’ age (≤38 and &gt;38 years) and days of SA (0–3 and 4–7 days); then, we examined two age-based groups (≤38 and &gt;38 years).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>SA emerged as a significant predictor of SDF (<i>p</i> = 0.020), with a stronger effect observed in patients &gt;38 years (<i>p</i> = 0.013). No significant interaction between age and SA was found in the general model (<i>p</i> = 0.524), but stratified analysis revealed a threshold effect, where prolonged SA was particularly detrimental in older individuals. Quantile regression further confirmed that SA had the most pronounced impact on patients with higher baseline DNA fragmentation index (DFI), suggesting that oxidative stress accumulates disproportionately in this subgroup.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our findings highlight the complex interplay between age, SA, and DFI, demonstrating that prolonged abstinence is especially detrimental for older men. Unlike previous studies, we introduce a threshold effect, emphasizing that the impact of SA is not uniform across all individuals. The use of quantile regression allows a more refined assessment, revealing that those with pre-existing sperm DNA damage are more susceptible. These results suggest that standard World Health Organization (WHO-recommended abstinence windows may not be optimal for all patients, particularly in ART settings. However, the clinical significance of these findings requires careful consideration of the trade-offs between DFI improvement and potential impacts on conventional sperm parameters, advocating for more i","PeriodicalId":7817,"journal":{"name":"Andrologia","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/and/2060268","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145406993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tamoxifen Treatment for Idiopathically Reduced Semen Quality: A Single-Center Experience","authors":"Thomas Büttner,&nbsp;Philipp Lossin,&nbsp;Stefan Latz,&nbsp;Carolin Jacobs,&nbsp;Johannes Stein","doi":"10.1155/and/8907897","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/and/8907897","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Idiopathic male infertility poses a challenge in andrology due to limited treatment options. Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), has been proposed to improve semen quality, although evidence remains limited. This study aims to address the uncertainty surrounding tamoxifen treatment outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We retrospectively assessed male subjects with idiopathically reduced semen quality marked by density, progressive motility, or normal morphology rates below reference values. As an individual attempt to improve semen quality, all patients had received tamoxifen (20 mg/day) for 3 months. Statistical analysis included comparison of semen quality parameters pre- and post-treatment alongside an analysis of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as an outcome predictor alongside age, body mass index (BMI), and the frequency of adverse events.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>120 subjects were included in the analysis. Tamoxifen treatment resulted in a small but significant increase in sperm density (median + 1.2 x 10⁶/mL, interquartile range (IQR): 0.7–6.3; <i>p</i>  &lt; 0.001). Analysis of progressive motility and morphology revealed differences that were likely statistical artifacts, potentially influenced by regression to the mean, while only higher pretreatment BMI was linked to an increase in sperm density. Adverse events (AEs) were mild and infrequent.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We present a comprehensive analysis of semen quality changes associated with a 3-month tamoxifen intake, with results indicating a slight improvement in sperm density of questionable clinical relevance. Further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and biomarker development to overcome the large inter-individual outcome variation is warranted.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7817,"journal":{"name":"Andrologia","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/and/8907897","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145406709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of Chromosomal Abnormalities and AZF Microdeletions in Iranian Infertile Men and Their Significant Association","authors":"Narges Taheri,&nbsp;Mahzad Nasir Shalal,&nbsp;Mahdi Mazloom,&nbsp;Diana Ghadiri,&nbsp;Pegah Ghandil","doi":"10.1155/and/6689096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/and/6689096","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Chromosomal abnormalities participate in male infertility by affecting a variety of physiological functions including spermatogenesis, hormonal homoeostasis, and semen quality. The long arm of the Y chromosome has an important role in the procedure of spermatogenesis. Yq-microdeletions in AZFa, b, and c regions mean losing the genes handling the spermatogenesis process, which leads to defective sperm production. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and type of chromosomal abnormalities and AZF microdeletions in infertile men in the southwest of Iran. Also, we analyzed the association between chromosomal abnormalities and AZF microdeletions. Furthermore, we have carried out a comprehensive literature review on 35 studies performed in Middle East countries since 2000.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 449 infertile men, 359 patients with azoospermia and 90 patients with oligozoospermia were enrolled in our study from 2021 to May 2024. Karyotype analysis in all patients and AZF microdeletion screening in azoospermic patients were applied using standard cytogenetic methods and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, respectively. Statistical analysis was carried out by SPSS.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in our sample was 9.2% and 5.6% in azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients, respectively. AZF microdeletions were detected in 5% of azoospermic patients, which AZFc region was the most frequent deleted region in our study. Moreover, patients with chromosomal abnormalities indicated a significantly higher risk for occurrence of AZF microdeletions (<i>p</i> = 8 × 10⁻⁵). Further analysis showed a higher risk for incidence of AZF microdeletion in patients with Y-chromosome abnormality compared to patients with any other karyotype (<i>p</i> = 3.5 × 10⁻⁸).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities and AZF microdeletions are comparable with that found in Middle East countries. Karyotype test and AZF microdeletion analysis is highly recommended for infertile men prior to beginning treatment, helping to select the most appropriate assisted reproductive techniques.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7817,"journal":{"name":"Andrologia","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/and/6689096","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145366558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global Burden of Male Infertility From 1990 to 2021: Prevalence and DALYs Across 204 Countries","authors":"Heqing Huang,&nbsp;Chunyan Wu,&nbsp;Jianing Wu,&nbsp;Zhiping Liao,&nbsp;Tiangao Lin,&nbsp;Jianhua Li,&nbsp;Fangchao Wu","doi":"10.1155/and/8763243","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/and/8763243","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The growing burden of male infertility has emerged as a critical public health concern. However, current epidemiological evidence remains limited and inconsistent. This study is among the first to analyze the global disease burden of male infertility using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021, providing critical evidence to inform policy development.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Using the GBD 2021 dataset, we assessed 30-year trends (1990–2021) in male infertility epidemiology worldwide. These findings provide critical insights for evidence-based policy making and resource allocation in global reproductive health.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Utilizing data from the GBD 2021 dataset, we evaluated the burden of male infertility in the reproductive-age population (15–49 years). Our analysis encompassed prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and their associated 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs), with stratification by age group, geographic region, and country from 1990 to 2021. We investigated associations with socioeconomic determinants, particularly the sociodemographic index (SDI), using Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. Temporal patterns were assessed through the calculation of estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In 2021, the global prevalence of male infertility reached 55,000,818 cases, corresponding to an age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of 2737.42 per 100,000 population. The condition accounted for 317,614 DALYs, with an age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) of 15.84 per 100,000 population. Geospatial analysis revealed substantial regional variation, with Eastern Europe demonstrating the highest burden of male infertility, while Australasia exhibited the lowest prevalence rates.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study documents a sustained increase in male infertility prevalence among reproductive-aged men worldwide from 1990 to 2021. Effective response strategies should combine medical innovation, health policy reforms, and equitable resource distribution to address this emerging public health priority.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":7817,"journal":{"name":"Andrologia","volume":"2025 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1155/and/8763243","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145366559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}