Basic and Clinical Andrology最新文献

{"title":"Divergent long-term trends in semen quality and reproductive hormones across the COVID-19 pandemic era in infertile men: an age-stratified retrospective study.","authors":"Peilian Li, Shuang Liu, Ke Chen, Yang Gao","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00309-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00309-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Male reproductive dysfunction has been reported during the acute phase of COVID-19. However, the long-term patterns in semen quality and hormonal parameters across the extended pandemic and post-pandemic periods, and whether these patterns differ by age, remain poorly characterized. This large-scale, retrospective study was conducted to delineate these trajectories in infertile men. RESULTS: Among 90,125 records, normal sperm morphology showed a sustained deficit: the proportion of men with morphology ≥ 4% declined from 88.9% pre-pandemic to 55.1% in Post-Phase 2 (p < 0.001), with nearly half falling below the WHO clinical threshold (4%). Serum testosterone decreased modestly from 4.46 to 4.19 ng/mL (6.1% reduction; (p = 0.006) but remained above the hypogonadism threshold for most men. These alterations persisted two years into the post-pandemic period without returning to pre-pandemic baselines. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with persistent, clinically meaningful deficits in normal sperm morphology and a moderate, non-hypogonadal testosterone suppression, with distinct age-dependent patterns. These findings underscore the need for age-stratified reproductive health surveillance following major population-level stressors. </p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13020235/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147519712","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":"Association of sperm DNA fragmentation index with semen quality and ART outcomes: real-world evidence from a retrospective cohort.","authors":"Chaofeng Wei, Qihui Liang, Danqi Liu, Yi Yu, Yihe Wei, Yuan Li, Haicui Wu, Fang Lian","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00308-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00308-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) has emerged as a potential marker of male fertility, but its clinical value in assisted reproductive technology (ART) remains debated. This study aimed to investigate the association between sperm DFI and conventional semen parameters, embryological outcomes, and pregnancy outcomes in ART, using a large real-world dataset. RESULTS: A total of 1,784 ART cycles performed at a single center between January 2020 and January 2022 were analyzed. Patients were categorized into normal (< 30%) and high (≥ 30%) DFI groups. Compared with the normal DFI group, men with high DFI had significantly lower sperm concentration (B = − 31.15, 95% CI: − 44.75 to − 17.55), progressive motility (B = − 12.21, 95% CI: − 14.87 to − 9.56), and total motility (B = − 18.00, 95% CI: − 21.38 to − 14.62; all P < 0.001). After adjusting for female and male factors, high DFI was associated with a significantly lower 2PN fertilization rate (β = − 0.257, 95% CI: − 0.491 to − 0.024, P = 0.031), while no significant differences were observed in top-quality embryo rate, transferable embryo rate, or pregnancy outcomes. Sensitivity analyses using alternative statistical methods (ZOIB and PSM) and varying DFI thresholds (25% and 35%) yielded results completely consistent with the main analyses. CONCLUSIONS: High sperm DFI is independently associated with poorer semen quality and a reduced 2PN fertilization rate but was not significantly associated with embryo quality or pregnancy outcomes in this study. These findings support the clinical relevance of DFI in evaluating male fertility potential while suggesting its limited predictive value for ART success when female and cycle-related factors are considered. </p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13003730/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147490352","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":"Correction: Chronic scrotal content pain and viral orchiepididymitis: an overlooked hypothesis linking infection and Wallerian degeneration.","authors":"Thiago A Teixeira, Eduardo Zinoni Pato, Maria Christina W Avellar, Raul Sanchez, Igor V Coimbra, Joël R Drevet, Jorge Hallak","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00307-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00307-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12994245/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147466861","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":"Zika virus and male reproductive health: essential updates for andrologists and fertility specialists.","authors":"Ayaz Khan, Michael George, Ian Pearce, Vaibhav Modgil, Theodora Stasinou","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00305-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00305-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, remains a concern for reproductive health despite the waning of the 2015-2016 epidemic. Unique among arboviruses, ZIKV can be sexually transmitted, with viral RNA persisting in semen beyond the acute phase, posing potential risks to male fertility and assisted reproduction. This narrative review provides clinicians with a contemporary understanding of ZIKV epidemiology, virology, and its implications for male reproductive care.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ZIKV transmission has stabilised into low-level endemicity in Central and South America, with Europe reporting sporadic travel-associated cases. Persistence in semen is underpinned by infection of immune-privileged testicular tissues, including Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells, enabling RNA detection for months post-infection even after systemic symptoms resolve. While replication-competent virus is rarely isolated beyond 4-6 weeks, viral RNA has been detected in semen over 180 days in rare cases. Clinically, ZIKV infection is associated with transient declines in sperm count, motility, and increased DNA fragmentation, likely mediated by inflammation, blood-testis barrier disruption, and impaired testosterone biosynthesis. Human studies suggest recovery of semen quality in most cases, but animal models demonstrate more persistent testicular damage and subfertility, supporting potential long-term reproductive impact. Current WHO guidance recommends a 3-month deferral from conception for men with confirmed or suspected ZIKV exposure. In assisted reproduction, cryopreserved semen from recently exposed individuals may retain viral RNA, requiring stringent handling and closed-system storage. Routine semen PCR testing is not widely adopted due to sensitivity limitations and inability to distinguish infectivity; thus, risk stratification based on travel and exposure history remains central to decision-making. In clinical practice, this risk stratification typically applies to men undergoing fertility assessment with recent travel to ZIKV-endemic regions, particularly in Central or South America, with compatible symptom history or recent onset infertility.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>ZIKV remains a relevant consideration in andrology and fertility practice, particularly in regions with ongoing endemic transmission and in individuals with travel-related exposure. Awareness of its virological properties, reproductive implications, and guidance for pre-conception counselling, laboratory practice, and semen storage is crucial. With appropriate precautions and patient education, most couples can safely proceed with fertility planning following ZIKV exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12977812/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147430648","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":"Chronic scrotal content pain and viral orchiepididymitis: an overlooked hypothesis linking infection and Wallerian degeneration.","authors":"Thiago A Teixeira, Eduardo Zinoni Pato, Maria Christina W Avellar, Raul Sanchez, Igor V Coimbra, Joël R Drevet, Jorge Hallak","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00301-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00301-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Chronic scrotal content pain (CSCP) is a challenging clinical condition, often undiagnosed, and marked by persistent or intermittent pain that may be localized or generalized and significantly affect quality of life. Wallerian degeneration, an inflammatory process involving axonal degeneration, may underlie the mechanism. While bacterial infections are recognized contributors to CSCP, the role of viral infections is less understood. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science for studies reporting associations between viral infections and scrotal or testicular pain. Of 142 identified records, 61 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed qualitatively. RESULTS: Our review assesses whether testicular or epididymal viral infections might contribute to CSCP. The literature points to a possible link, though definitive histopathological evidence remains scarce. Tissue biopsies may provide greater diagnostic clarity and inform treatment decisions. CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is needed to understand how viral infections affect testicular function, semen quality, and fertility, to improve patient outcomes globally. </p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952129/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147343552","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":"Retrospective study of 115 patients with diabetes mellitus complicated by retrograde ejaculation.","authors":"Chuangui Li, Huan Wang, Siqi Li, Tianzi Zhang, Hao Li, Chongbo Wang","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00303-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00303-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Retrograde ejaculation is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus, yet its association with other sexual dysfunctions remains under-characterized. Current literature often treats it as an isolated fertility issue, overlooking potential co-morbidities. This study aimed to comprehensively profile the clinical characteristics of diabetic men with retrograde ejaculation and investigate the independent risk factors for severe sexual dysfunction, specifically moderate-to-severe erectile dysfunction. RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of 115 diabetic patients (mean age 39.9 years) confirmed retrograde ejaculation revealed a high prevalence of “triple dysfunction”: 80.0% had complete retrograde ejaculation, 54.8% suffered from moderate-to-severe erectile dysfunction, and 39.1% reported anorgasmia. Type 1 diabetic patients, despite being younger and having higher testosterone levels than Type 2 patients, exhibited worse functional outcomes, including a significantly higher rate of anorgasmia (65.5% vs. 30.2%). Multivariate logistic regression identified diabetes duration (OR 1.70, P < 0.001), age (OR 1.23, P < 0.001), and glycated hemoglobin (OR 1.70, P = 0.004) as independent predictors of moderate-to-severe erectile dysfunction. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption were not significant independent predictors in the adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde ejaculation in diabetic men is rarely an isolated symptom but part of a complex syndrome frequently co-existing with severe erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia. The severity of this dysfunction is primarily driven by the chronicity of diabetes and long-term glycemic instability rather than age or lifestyle factors alone. Clinicians should adopt a holistic approach, screening for co-morbid sexual and psychological dysfunctions to guide precise management. </p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12927250/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147275470","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":"Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios in primary versus secondary premature ejaculation: a comparative study.","authors":"Nuh Aldemir, İbrahim Üntan","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00304-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00304-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation has been implicated in male sexual dysfunction, yet data comparing inflammatory markers between premature ejaculation (PE) subtypes—classified as primary premature ejaculation (PPE) or secondary premature ejaculation (SPE)—remain scarce. This study investigated whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) differ between PPE and SPE and could serve as adjunctive biomarkers for clinical classification. RESULTS: This retrospective study included 414 men diagnosed with PE (PPE: n = 200; SPE: n = 214). NLR and PLR were calculated from complete blood counts, and intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) was recorded. Both NLR and PLR were significantly higher in SPE than PPE (P < 0.001 for both), while IELT was shorter in PPE (P < 0.001). Neither marker correlated with IELT. In multivariable logistic regression, NLR remained independently associated with SPE (odds ratio 1.87, 95% confidence interval 1.40–2.51; P < 0.001), whereas PLR did not. ROC analysis demonstrated moderate discriminative ability for NLR (AUC 0.691; optimal cut-off 1.889; sensitivity 60.3%; specificity 72.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated NLR in SPE supports a role for systemic inflammation in acquired PE. NLR may serve as a simple, cost-effective adjunctive marker for differentiating PE subtypes, though prospective validation is warranted. </p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":"4"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12903722/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146177654","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":"Radiodensity as a predictor: can penile and splenic Hounsfield units forecast clinical response to daily tadalafil?","authors":"Huseyin Hayit, Cumhur Yesildal, Omer Yilmaz, Yahya Barac, Kerem Bursali, Anil Yilmaz","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00302-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00302-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Objective imaging biomarkers reflecting penile microvascular perfusion in erectile dysfunction are limited. Hounsfield unit measurements obtained from non-contrast computed tomography may offer a non-invasive approach to assess tissue perfusion. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the associations between penile and splenic tissue density values and erectile function scores, and explored their relationship with response to daily tadalafil therapy. RESULTS: A total of 194 men with erectile dysfunction who underwent non-contrast lower abdominal computed tomography were included. Tissue density values were measured in proximal, midshaft, and distal penile segments as well as in splenic parenchyma. Daily tadalafil 5 mg was associated with statistically significant improvements across erectile function domains (mean change in erectile function score: +7.9 points; p < 0.0001). Baseline penile tissue density values demonstrated positive correlations with splenic tissue density, suggesting a potential association related to perfusion characteristics. Although responders exhibited lower baseline tissue density values in selected penile segments compared with non-responders, these parameters did not independently predict treatment response in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography–derived tissue density measurements of penile and splenic tissues may offer complementary, objective information related to tissue perfusion in men with erectile dysfunction. While these findings support the exploratory use of imaging-based density analysis in understanding vascular and metabolic influences on erectile function, prospective multicentre studies with standardized protocols are required to validate their clinical utility. </p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":"3"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12892766/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146163850","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":"Association between a history of frequent masturbation and anxiety/depression in patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction.","authors":"Jinlong Yang, Wenju Wu, Yilin Zhao, Junjie Liu","doi":"10.1186/s12610-026-00300-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-026-00300-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Psychogenic erectile dysfunction patients accounted for a substantial percentage of younger erectile dysfunction ones. This cross-sectional observational study investigated the correlation between a history of frequent masturbation and anxiety/depression symptoms in patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction .</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Baseline characteristics showed significant between-group differences in age (the Frequent Masturbation History group younger, P < 0.05), but not in disease duration, residence, or lifestyle factors. The Frequent Masturbation History group demonstrated significantly higher anxiety (GAD-7: Z=-2.17, P = 0.030) and depression scores (PHQ-9: Z=-3.01, P = 0.003), alongside significantly lower psychological resilience (CD-RISC: Z=-2.53, P = 0.011) compared to the Non-Frequent Masturbation History group. These findings indicate that frequent masturbation history in psychogenic erectile dysfunction patients is associated with younger age, elevated anxiety/depression symptomatology, and reduced stress adaptability.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Clinical implications suggest incorporating behavioral pattern assessment and psychological screening into psychogenic erectile dysfunction evaluations. Targeted interventions should focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy to address maladaptive beliefs, mindfulness training to reduce performance anxiety, and partner-involved support to disrupt the observed \"masturbation to anxiety/depression to erectile dysfunction\" cycle. Future longitudinal studies integrating biopsychosocial assessments are warranted to elucidate temporal relationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":"2"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12836828/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146058975","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":"Clinical outcomes of bovine pericardial tissue patch grafting for surgical correction of Peyronie's disease: a prospective single-center case series.","authors":"Pankaj M Joshi, Pawan Kandhari, Meritxell Costa, Saurabh Thakkar, Emmanuel Oyibo, Shreyas Bhadranawar, Sanjay Kulkarni","doi":"10.1186/s12610-025-00298-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12610-025-00298-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Surgical correction of Peyronie’s disease often requires grafting techniques to restore penile anatomy and function. The bovine pericardial patch is a promising biomaterial due to its strength, elasticity, and biocompatibility. This study evaluates the safety, handling, and clinical outcomes associated with its use in tunical grafting procedures. METHODS: A prospective, single-centre clinical study enrolled six patients with Peyronie’s disease requiring plaque incision and grafting. Data on surgical handling characteristics, postoperative outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction were collected and analysed descriptively using standard statistical methods. RESULTS: All surgeries were completed without intraoperative complications. Patch handling characteristics were rated as excellent across all surgical parameters. No adverse events, graft-related complications, or loss of penile function were observed during the follow-up period. Patient satisfaction was rated as very high at discharge and at one-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Bovine pericardial tissue patch grafting demonstrated excellent safety, efficacy, and high satisfaction rates for surgical correction of Peyronie’s disease deformities. These findings support its wider clinical application, although larger studies with extended follow-up are warranted to confirm long-term outcomes. </p>","PeriodicalId":8730,"journal":{"name":"Basic and Clinical Andrology","volume":"36 1","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12821321/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146017309","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}