Basic and Clinical Andrology最新文献

{"title":"Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): does it live up to its promises in the andrology laboratory?","authors":"Alireza Alizadeh Moghadam Masouleh, Monica Tobler, Mohammad Jafari Atrabi, Samira Vesali, Roya Hosseini, Joël Drevet, Andreas Gerd Schmutzler","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00315-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00315-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Research on Thyroid function in fertility/infertility has mainly focused on women, while men have scarcely been investigated. We investigated the association between TSH pattern and semen parameters, considering age, BMI, smoking and alcohol drinking. For 2021-2023, we examined all 346 male patients (infertile/fertile) in a Center for Reproductive Medicine at Germany. Age, BMI, smoking and detailed alcohol intake were recorded. A blood sample was taken from each patient in connection with the sperm collection to measure TSH, FSH, LH, prolactin, testosterone levels and the LH to testosterone ratio. Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to determine correlations among hormones. Statistical analyses were performed using semen parameters as dichotomized using world health organization reference values.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis explored relationships between age, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption and semen parameters with TSH levels. The mean age and BMI were 35.8 ± 7.43 years and 27.1 ± 4.54 kgm^- 2, respectively. Of all participants, 37% reported being smokers, alcohol consumption was 3% every day, 35% each week, 44% each month and 17% none. For TSH, we recorded 309 TSH levels, and the normal range was given as 0.4 to 4 mIU/L; 95% of the participants were in this category. Only a few participants were outside this range, with 1% below and 4% above. TSH levels were not found to be significantly affected by age, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption or season. We found a positive correlation between TSH and prolactin (r = 0.199, p = 0.0001). Logistic regression showed that when TSH values were within the normal range, sperm counts were significantly higher (odds ratio:1.302, P = 0.043; confidence interval 95%:1.009-1.681).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Male patients with abnormal TSH levels are not very common in this region (5%). Further studies regarding thyroid tests in andrology laboratory are required. TSH assessment in infertile couples should be routine in both partners, given the recorded worldwide increase in thyroid dysfunction.</p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13339866/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148403236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A case of secretory azoospermia: is valganciclovir responsible?","authors":"Louise Michenaud, Marion Lapoirie, Eloïse Fraison, Bruno Salle-Leyris-de-Campredon, Ingrid Plotton, Sandrine Giscard-d'Estaing","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00299-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00299-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Valganciclovir, the prodrug of ganciclovir, is an antiviral agent targeting herpes viruses. It is indicated for the prophylaxis or treatment of cytomegalovirus infections in immunocompromised patients. Pre-clinical studies state ganciclovir as a mutagenic, teratogenic, reprotoxic drug that can rarely alter male fertility.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>Mr S. had experienced primo-secondary infertility with his partner for 12 months. He had no significant medical history aside from exertional asthma and achieved semen analysis at age 33, revealing normal sperm concentration (110 million/mL, 383 million/ejaculate) with normal progressive motility (50%). One month after, during a trail race, he reported malignant exertional hyperthermia (41.7°C) leading to multi-organ failure and coma and requiring intensive care and an emergency hepatic transplant. Post-transplant, anti-rejection therapy was started including tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, co-trimoxazole, and valganciclovir. Six months after the transplant, he undertook sperm cryopreservation. Repeated semen analysis confirmed azoospermia. Semen analysis 12 weeks after discontinuation of valganciclovir showed rare motile sperm, allowing cryopreservation. Subsequent analyses showed significant improvement, with concentration reaching 10.1 M/mL 14 weeks later and 70 M/mL 24 weeks later, allowing ICSI with fresh sperm. This resulted in a successful pregnancy and live birth.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We report a case of azoospermia observed after valganciclovir treatment. Based on a review of the literature, the azoospermia observed in this patient could be attributed to valganciclovir. However, alternative explanations such as fever or infectious complications cannot be ruled out. Valganciclovir is reprotoxic and should be replaced with an alternative drug in men planning to conceive.</p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13335369/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148395729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-linear relationships between inflammatory indices and erectile dysfunction in a group of young men living with HIV.","authors":"Giorgio Tiecco, Matteo Riva, Federico Cesanelli, Luca Rossi, Cosimo Colangelo, Stefania Agata Reale, Federica Gottardi, Andrea Delbarba, Carlo Cappelli, Emanuele Focà, Francesco Castelli, Eugenia Quiros-Roldan","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00320-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00320-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent but underrecognized condition in young men living with HIV (yMLWH). Despite evidence linking inflammation and endothelial dysfunction to ED in the general population, little is known about these associations in yMLWH. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between novel inflammatory indices and ED in yMLWH.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This cross-sectional single-center study included yMLWH aged 18-50 years attending the HIV outpatient clinic at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Italy, between January 2023 and January 2024. ED was assessed by self-report during routine clinical visits. Associations between inflammatory indices and ED were explored using generalized additive (GAM) and generalized linear models (GLM). Among 308 participants, 63 (20.5%) reported ED. Demographic characteristics and viro-immunological parameters were comparable between participants with and without ED; however, individuals with ED showed a higher prevalence of ≥ 3 comorbid conditions (12% vs. 7%), particularly cardiovascular disease (p = 0.018), dyslipidaemia (p < 0.001), and hepatic steatosis (p < 0.001).No significant differences were observed in inflammatory or atherogenic indices between participants with and without ED. Neither univariate nor multivariate models identified significant associations between indices and ED. Although GAMs revealed mildly nonlinear trends for atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR), none reached statistical significance, though model fit was better than for linear models.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In contrast to findings in the general population, no significant associations were observed between ED and inflammation-based indices in our cohort, potentially reflecting HIV-specific mechanisms or age-related differences in index expression. These results support the relevance of non-inflammatory contributors to ED in yMLWH and emphasize the need for multidisciplinary assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13292434/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148315506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gene set enrichment analysis of curated monogenic loci highlights key pathways and multisystem involvement in male infertility.","authors":"Matthew Yang, Katreya Lovrenert, Nannan Thirumavalavan, Michael L Eisenberg, Fredrick R Schumacher, Chen-Han Wilfred Wu","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00316-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00316-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Male infertility affects approximately 10% of men globally, yet approximately 70% of cases lack a definitive genetic diagnosis. Next-generation sequencing has identified numerous monogenic causes, many of which are linked to broader systemic conditions. We curated a list of 596 candidate genes associated with male infertility from the literature and clinical genetics panels. Gene set enrichment analyses were performed on the strong-evidence genes using g: Profiler, REVIGO, and PANTHER to identify overrepresented Gene Ontology (GO) terms, and Reactome pathways. Gene-tissue expression profiles were assessed using GTExv8. Among the 178 strong-evidence genes, enrichment analyses revealed significant overrepresentation of terms related to ciliary and flagellar function (e.g., cilium movement, dynein complex), endocrine signaling (e.g., hormone receptor binding, steroid biosynthesis), and DNA repair mechanisms, particularly the Fanconi anemia nuclear complex. Reactome pathway analysis identified overrepresentation of androgen, glucocorticoid, and mineralocorticoid biosynthesis, BBSome-mediated ciliary transport, and meiosis. Tissue expression clustering identified extra-gonadal expression patterns, implicating adrenal, hypothalamic, and systemic involvement in genetic forms of male infertility.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our gene set enrichment and tissue expression analyses suggest that monogenic causes of male infertility are enriched in pathways in ciliary motility, endocrine regulation, and DNA repair which also have roles in extra-gonadal organ systems. These findings are consistent with epidemiological observations linking male infertility to broader health conditions and support multidisciplinary evaluation and care for affected individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13251197/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148216314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the efficacy of subinguinal antegrade sclerotherapy and subinguinal micro varicocelectomy versus a combined approach on the semen parameters in infertile patients: a randomized prospective comparative study.","authors":"Amr Elahwany, Sameh Fayek GamalEl Din, Hesham Torad, Islam ELsisi, Abdel Rahman Hashem, Abdelrahman Ahmed Aburahma","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00314-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00314-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>We assessed whether a combined approach of subinguinal antegrade sclerotherapy (SAS) and subinguinal micro varicocelectomy (MVS) can provide effective and safe treatment of varicocele regarding semen quality and recurrence rate compared to each approach individually.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median count significantly increased at baseline, and after 3 months, 6 months to be 13.0, 35.0, 40.0, respectively. The median motility significantly increased at baseline, and after 3 months, 6 months to be 37.0, 50.0, and 55.0, respectively. Intra-group comparisons showed significant improvement regarding the median total sperm motility among the participants over the same period. Furthermore, a significant improvement in the median progressive motility among the participants over the same period was observed. Remarkably, the median abnormal forms significantly reduced among the 3 groups at baseline, and after 3 months, 6 months, respectively. Highly significant post-operative reductions in the left and right veins diameters were noted in the intra-group comparisons, with subsequent non visualization of the post-operative left and right veins reflux. Moreover, the median operative time for the left-sided procedures in the 3 groups was 29.5 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, respectively. For bilateral procedures, the mean operative time was significantly longer in group (A) (57.86 ± 5.2 min) compared to groups B and C (36.93 ± 4.3 min; 44.17 ± 3.45 min, respectively). It should be mentioned that the incidence of orchialgia was significantly absent in the combined approach compared to each approach individually.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Subinguinal MSV and SAS resulted in a significant post-operative improvement in the semen parameters. Nevertheless, combined approach should be recommended as it is associated with the lowest incidence of complications. Future studies with larger scales are needed to assert the current results.</p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13349067/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Glucose/potassium ratio and a novel combined model for the differential diagnosis of testicular torsion: a retrospective study.","authors":"Yasin Aktaş, Adem Tunçekin","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00313-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00313-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: It is challenging to distinguish between testicular torsion (TT) and epididymorchitis (EO) due to their overlapping symptoms. This study evaluated the diagnostic value of the glucose/potassium ratio (GPR) and a combined model for distinguishing between TT, EO, and non-specific acute scrotal pain. This retrospective study included 373 patients, who were divided into three groups: TT (n = 103), EO (n = 120), and non-specific pain controls (n = 150). GPR and systemic inflammatory indices were calculated from admission blood samples. A combined model incorporating independent predictors (age, GPR, and white blood cell (WBC) count) was constructed using binary logistic regression. Diagnostic performance was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The median GPR was highest in the TT group (23.6), followed by the EO group (21.0) and the control group (20.4) (p < 0.001). A GPR cut-off value of > 21.8 was associated with a 3.52-fold increased risk of testicular torsion (OR: 3.52, 95% CI: 1.97–6.25; p < 0.001). Although the GPR demonstrated the greatest accuracy among the individual markers (AUC: 0.738), the combined model produced superior diagnostic results, with an AUC of 0.839 (sensitivity: 75.6%; specificity: 81.5%; positive predictive value (PPV): 60.9%; negative predictive value (NPV): 89.7%). Multivariate analysis identified the following as independent predictors of testicular torsion: younger age (OR: 0.92); higher WBC count (OR: 1.30); and higher GPR levels (OR: 1.14). CONCLUSIONS: GPR appears to be a biomarker that could reflect specific metabolic stress in testicular ischaemia, which is distinct from the inflammatory response in EO. The combined model demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy in our cohort, suggesting its potential usefulness as an adjunctive triage tool. However, these findings are preliminary and require external validation in future prospective, multicentre studies before routine clinical implementation. </p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13137708/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147832580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergistic amelioration of heat stress-induced testicular damage and impaired fertility by sesame seed oil and α-lipoic acid in male rats.","authors":"Ali Hashemi, Ali Soleimanzadeh, Esmail Ayen, Mazdak Razi, Hadi Keshipour","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00306-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00306-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heat exposure affects spermatogenesis and causes testicular injury through oxidative stress mechanisms. This study examined the preventive benefits of sesame seed oil (SSO) and α-lipoic acid (ALA), both powerful antioxidants, against heat-induced testicular damage. Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated into five groups (n = 6 each): control (saline, no heat), heat stress (HS; 43 °C for 20 min/day for 60 days, saline), HS + ALA (100 mg/kg), HS + SSO (5 mL/kg), and HS + ALA + SSO. After 60 days, we examined the histology of the testicles, sperm parameters (concentration, motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity), oxidative stress markers, apoptotic gene expression, and fertility. These treatments enhanced sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity, and DNA stability while diminishing abnormalities. The levels of antioxidant enzymes (GPx, CAT, TAC, and SOD) and Bcl-2 increased, whereas the levels of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax and caspase-3/9), GSH depletion, MDA, and NO elevation decreased compared to those in the HS group (all p < 0.05). The SSO-ALA combination had synergistic effects, improving fertility parameters and alleviating histopathological damage. However, results may be confounded by experimental limitations such as anesthesia effects and lack of dose standardization. These results indicate that SSO and ALA may be effective treatments for heat stress-induced male infertility in animal models, though clinical translation requires further study.</p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13094283/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microscopic ligation combined with shunt procedure versus microsurgical varicocelectomy for nutcracker syndrome and left varicocele: a randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Ke Dou, Xinchen Zeng, Qi Yang, Yutao Li, Lei Wang, Tao Song, Juncheng Yao","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00312-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00312-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: This study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel microsurgical approach (Microsurgical Spermatico-Inferior Epigastric Vein Anastomosis with Selective Venous Disconnection, MSEA-SVD) compared to conventional Microsurgical Varicocelectomy approach in patients with Nutcracker Syndrome and left-sided varicocele. This single-center, randomized controlled trial enrolled 50 patients (25 per group) diagnosed with Nutcracker Syndrome and left-sided varicocele. Group A underwent MSEA-SVD, while Group B received Microsurgical Varicocelectomy. The primary outcomes included semen quality, renal vein hemodynamics, and varicocele recurrence. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively using color Doppler ultrasound and semen analysis. Statistical comparisons were performed using IBM SPSS 27.0. RESULTS: MSEA-SVD achieves superior outcomes in semen quality and renal vein decompression compared to Microsurgical Varicocelectomy but requires a longer surgery time and hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: With careful patient selection, MSEA-SVD may become a preferred approach for managing Nutcracker Syndrome-related varicocele. </p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13088607/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147716256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictive factors of c-TESE success in eastern algerian patients with non-obstructive azoospermia: role of histology, hormones, and testicular volume.","authors":"Besma Hibat Allah Nourine, Leyla Ounis, Malak Hamoul, Fatima Zohra Haddad, Abdelali Zoghmar","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00311-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00311-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Non-obstructive azoospermia is the most severe and common form, representing 10–15% of infertile men. For these patients, testicular sperm extraction followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection offer the only viable fertility option. However, sperm retrieval rates in non-obstructive azoospermia remain significantly lower than in obstructive azoospermia. Optimizing testicular sperm extraction outcomes in non-obstructive azoospermia requires understanding the clinical, hormonal, genetic, and histological factors that influence sperm retrieval. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of key clinical and biological factors on sperm retrieval out comes in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia from eastern Algeria, with the goal of improving retrieval rates and identifying reliable predictive factors for successful sperm recovery. RESULT: Sperm retrieval was successful in 38.3% of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. Testicular histology had a significant impact on retrieval outcomes (p < 0.001). The highest sperm retrieval rates were observed in patients with late maturation arrest and hypospermatogenesis. In contrast, severe histological patterns, particularly testicular fibrosis and Sertolicell-only syndrome, were strongly associated with sperm retrieval failure, with odds ratios of 0.024 and 0.020, respectively. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels were significantly correlated with sperm retrieval success (p = 0.004 and p = 0.05, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed an odds ratio of 0.947 for FSH, with a cut-off value of 8.83 mIU/mL, indicating that lower FSH levels were associated with higher retrieval success. For LH, the odds ratio was 1.069, with a cut-off value of 5.75 mIU/mL. CONCLUSION: Overall, testicular histology, serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and testicular volume emerged as the most important independent predictors of sperm retrieval success in Algerian patients with non-obstructive azoospermia undergoing testicular sperm extraction. Luteinizing hormone was identified as a weaker predictive factor compared with FSH and testicular volume. Although, histological evaluation is obtained post-biopsy, it remains clinically valuable by guiding personalized patient management, including the selection of the most appropriate sperm retrieval technique, the initiation of hormonal therapy, and the prediction of outcomes in subsequent retrieval attempts. </p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081357/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147687922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Testicular shear wave elastography in varicocele: measurement strategy and clinical application.","authors":"Lisu Zhang, Yi Li, Lingyan Zhang, Yinying Liang, Yumin Zhuo, Jun Huang","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00310-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00310-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Conflicting results on testicular stiffness in varicocele and the lack of a standardized measurement protocol hinder clinical staging. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of probe frequency and region of interest (ROI) size selection on testicular stiffness measurements and to evaluate the testicular parenchymal stiffness and volume changes in patients with varicocele compare with healthy controls under standardized conditions. RESULTS: Shear wave elastography (SWE) was first performed on 62 testes from 31 healthy men, with two probe frequencies (SL10–2 and SL15–4) and four ROI sizes (4, 6, 8, and 10 mm), to assess the impact on SWE measurements. Based on the lowest variability settings, testicular volume and stiffness were compared in 76 patients with varicoceles and 68 healthy controls. Different SWE values were obtained with the two probes and four ROI sizes (p < 0.05). The SL15–4 probe showed lower variability, with the lowest coefficient of variation at the 4 mm ROI. The median testicular SWE value was 2.03 (1.97–2.07) kPa in the control group and 2.01 (1.87–2.07), 1.77 (1.53–1.98), and 1.51 (1.45–1.63) kPa in the Grade I, II, and III varicocele groups, respectively. SWE values were significantly lower in varicocele patients and decreased with increasing grade. The median testicular volumes were 13.08 (12.06–15.70) mL in the control group and 12.26 (10.70–15.15), 13.06 (11.34–14.72), and 11.84 (11.26–12.86) mL in the Grade I, II, and III varicocele groups, respectively. No significant difference in volume was observed between varicocele and control groups (p = 0.387). CONCLUSION: Probe frequency and ROI size influence testicular SWE measurements, and caution should be exercised when comparing SWE results. Our study showed that testicular stiffness was decreased in patients with varicocele without significant changes in testicular volume, suggesting the presence of subtle structural alterations. SWE may provide complementary information by detecting changes in testicular parenchymal in patients with varicocele. </p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13040721/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147589545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}