scholarly journals Larger Testes and Higher Inhibin B Levels in Finnish than in Danish Newborn Boys

2006 ◽  
Vol 91 (7) ◽  
pp. 2732-2737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina M. Main ◽  
Jorma Toppari ◽  
Anne-Maarit Suomi ◽  
Marko Kaleva ◽  
Marla Chellakooty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Genetic Difference ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Inhibin B ◽  
Testicular Volume ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Testis Size ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Abstract Context: Recent studies showed that male reproductive health problems, such as cryptorchidism, hypospadias, testicular cancer, and low sperm quality, are more prevalent in Denmark than in Finland. Objectives: We hypothesized that, if fetal testicular dysgenesis contributed to these observations, differences in gonadal development and the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis would already be detectable perinatally. Thus, we investigated healthy newborn boys in both countries. Design: This was a prospective, longitudinal population-based study. Setting: Two primary obstetric centers were included at the University Hospitals of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Turku, Finland. Participants: The participants of the study included 633 Danish and 1044 Finnish boys, born at term with appropriate weight for gestational age. Interventions: Ultrasound determination of testis size at 0, 3, and 18 months and blood sampling (n = 727) at 3 months were analyzed. Main Outcome Measures: Testicular volume and reproductive hormones were measured. Results: Testis volume was significantly higher at all ages in Finnish than in Danish boys (medians, 98 vs. 95, 185 vs. 119, and 188 vs. 136 mm3, respectively; P < 0.00001). Testis growth from birth to 3 months was larger in Finnish than in Danish boys (mean, 75 vs. 26 mm3; P < 0.0001). Serum hormone levels were higher in Finnish than Danish boys for inhibin B (median, 456 vs. 385 pg/ml; P < 0.0001), FSH (1.33 vs. 1.21 IU/liter; P < 0.036), and SHBG (143 vs. 136 nmol/liter; P < 0.022). Inhibin B was significantly positively correlated to testicular volume (r = 0.25; P < 0.006). Conclusions: The larger testes and higher inhibin B levels most likely represent a bigger volume of seminiferous tubules in Finnish compared with Danish boys. Although this phenomenon may be attributable to a genetic difference between the two countries, it may also reflect environmental factors influencing testicular development.

scholarly journals Serum levels of insulin-like factor 3, anti-Müllerian hormone, inhibin B, and testosterone during pubertal transition in healthy boys: a longitudinal pilot study

Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 147 (4) ◽  
pp. 529-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Lindhardt Johansen ◽  
Ravinder Anand-Ivell ◽  
Annette Mouritsen ◽  
Casper P Hagen ◽  
Mikkel G Mieritz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leydig Cell ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Inhibin B ◽  
Testicular Volume ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Pubertal Onset ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
And Function

Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is a promising marker of Leydig cell function with potentially high clinical relevance. Limited data of INSL3 levels in relation to other reproductive hormones in healthy pubertal boys exist. In this study, we aimed to evaluate longitudinal serum changes in INSL3 compared with LH, FSH, testosterone, inhibin B, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) during puberty in healthy boys. Ten boys were included from the longitudinal part of the COPENHAGEN Puberty Study. Pubertal evaluation, including testicular volume, was performed and blood samples were drawn every 6 months for 5 years. Serum concentrations of testosterone were determined by a newly developed LC–MS/MS method, and serum concentrations of INSL3, AMH, inhibin B, FSH, and LH respectively were determined by validated immunoassays. The results showed that serum INSL3 levels increased progressively with increasing age, pubertal onset, and testicular volume. In six of the ten boys, LH increased before the first observed increase in INSL3. In the remaining four boys, the increase in LH and INSL3 was observed at the same examination. The increases in serum concentrations of LH, testosterone, and INSL3 were not parallel or in ordered succession and varied interindividually. We demonstrated that INSL3 concentrations were tightly associated with pubertal onset and increasing testicular volume. However, the pubertal increases in LH, INSL3, and testosterone concentrations were not entirely parallel, suggesting that INSL3 and testosterone may be regulated differently. Thus, we speculate that INSL3 provides additional information on Leydig cell differentiation and function during puberty compared with traditional markers of testicular function.

scholarly journals Gonadal development and reproductive hormones in infant boys

2006 ◽  
Vol 155 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S51-S57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina M Main ◽  
Jorma Toppari ◽  
Niels E Skakkebæk
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Testicular Cancer ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Gonadal Development ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Inhibin B ◽  
Fetal Life ◽  
Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome

Background: The intrauterine milieu plays a crucial role for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in adulthood, but little is known about its impact on gonadal development and reproduction. Impaired testis development in fetal life can lead to cryptorchidism, hypospadias, impaired semen quality, and testicular cancer, disorders that may present symptoms of a testicular dysgenesis syndrome. The prevalence of these disorders appears to increase in many areas, probably due to environmental factors acting in utero. Denmark has a significantly higher incidence of testicular cancer and lower sperm quality than Finland. Methods: We conducted a population-based study of newborn boys from Denmark and Finland, in order to examine whether this geographic difference was reflected in the reproductive health of newborns. Results: Danish boys had a lower testis volume at birth, a smaller testis growth up to 18 months of age and lower serum inhibin B and FSH levels at 3 months than Finnish. Danish boys also had a higher prevalence of both cryptorchidism and hypospadias than Finnish boys. In boys with cryptorchidism and hypospadias subtle changes in hormonal levels occurred, towards increased gonadotropins and lower inhibin B in cryptorchidism. Both types of congenital malformations were more frequent in children born small for gestational age, indicative of a relationship between growth and reproductive development. Conclusions: These early postnatal findings suggest that the previously observed population differences in reproductive health between young Danish and Finnish men are of fetal origin. The differences may originate as a result of gene–environment interactions, where endocrine disrupters may also play a role.

scholarly journals Postnatal penile length and growth rate correlate to serum testosterone levels: a longitudinal study of 1962 normal boys

2006 ◽  
Vol 154 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malene Boas ◽  
Kirsten A Boisen ◽  
Helena E Virtanen ◽  
Marko Kaleva ◽  
Anne-Maarit Suomi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Free Testosterone ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Penile Length ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Objective: Infant boys show a brief activation of their hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis shortly after birth, the physiological significance of which is poorly understood. The objective of the study was to investigate the correlation between endogenous testosterone levels and penile size and growth. Design: Prospective, longitudinal population-based study taking place at two large primary obstetric centres at the University Hospitals of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Turku, Finland. Methods: Infant boys, 728 Danish and 1234 Finnish, underwent clinical examinations at 0, 3, 18 and 36 months in Denmark and at 0, 3 and 18 months in Finland with blood samples taken at 3 months (n = 630). Penile length and growth were registered and reproductive hormones (testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, oestradiol) were analysed. Results: Penile length increased from birth (3.49±0.4 cm) to 3 years of age (4.53±0.51 cm) with the highest growth velocity from birth to 3 months (1.0 mm/month). Penile length and growth were significantly, positively correlated to serum testosterone (r = 0.31 and 0.076, P = 0.006 and 0.001 respectively) and to free testosterone index (r = 0.385 and 0.094, P = 0.0001 and 0.0001 respectively). Conclusions: We found that endogenous testosterone was significantly associated with penile size and growth rate in infant boys. Thus, the postnatal surge in reproductive hormones appears to be important for genital growth. Our data may serve as an updated reference for normal penile length in Caucasian boys up to 3 years of age.

scholarly journals Prognostic Factors for Successful Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (Micro-TESE)

2021 ◽  
pp. 30-35
Author(s):  
Mohamed Hamdy Mashaly ◽  
Tarek Ahmed Gamil ◽  
Maged Moustafa Ragab ◽  
Mohamed Abo El-Enen Ghalwash
Keyword(s):  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Testicular Volume ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testicular Sperm Extraction ◽  
Obstructive Azoospermia ◽  
Testicular Sperm ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Sperm Retrieval ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Detailed Medical History

Background: There are some men suffer from infertility, non-obstructive azoospermia is one of the causes of infertility, these men need sperm retrieval from testes like microdissection testicular sperm extraction (Micro-TESE). This work aims to assess the different preoperative and intraoperative factors that predict successful sperm retrieval with Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (Micro-TESE) in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. Methods: Our study is a cohort prospective one, conducted on 52 male patients with non-obstructive azoospermia who attended to the outpatient andrology and infertility clinic of Urology Department, Tanta University Hospitals during the period between December2018 to November2019. All patients were subjected to detailed medical history, physical examination, two semen analysis on two different laboratories. Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction is performed to all patients after Estimation of serum FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, estradiol and scrotal Doppler ultrasonography Results: From 52 patients who have done, Patients were divided in to 2 groups according to the result of Micro-TESE procedure: negative SSR group (28 patients) and positive SSR group (24 patients).In comparison between the two groups according to preoperative factors as age, FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, prolactin and testicular volume, there was no significant difference between these groups. On comparison of intraoperative size of seminiferous tubules in relation to results of Micro-TESE, we found that presence of large convoluted seminiferous tubules was statistically significant in prediction of successful sperm retrieval with Micro-TESE Conclusions: The chances of sperm retrieval in men with NOA by Micro-TESE are not related to preoperatively age, FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin and testicular volume. The detection of large seminiferous tubules intraoperatively is a good predictor for successful sperm retrieval with Micro-TESE as it was statistically significant.

scholarly journals Inhibin B is a more sensitive marker of spermatogenetic damage than FSH in the irradiated non-human primate model

1999 ◽  
Vol 162 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Foppiani ◽  
S Schlatt ◽  
M Simoni ◽  
GF Weinbauer ◽  
U Hacker-Klom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cell ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Inhibin B ◽  
Histological Evaluation ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Primate Model ◽  
Severe Oligozoospermia ◽  
Sensitive Marker

This study evaluated the effect of bilateral testicular irradiation (2 Gy) on reproductive hormones, testicular volume (TV) and sperm parameters in six adult cynomolgus monkeys. Hormone levels (FSH, inhibin B and testosterone (T)) were determined to find the most valuable endocrine marker of irradiation-induced damage. All parameters were analysed at weekly intervals for 14 weeks. Histological evaluation of both testes was performed at week 14 after irradiation when one monkey was castrated and at week 27 when the remaining five monkeys were bilaterally biopsied. A decrease in body weight, TV (30% of the pre-treatment size) and sperm count was observed after irradiation. Severe oligozoospermia was achieved throughout the study but azoospermia was recorded only occasionally. Histological evaluation revealed a heterogeneous picture with patchy arrangement of seminiferous tubules containing advanced germ cell types. An increase (P<0.05) in FSH levels and, to a lesser degree also in T levels, occurred several weeks after irradiation. Inhibin B levels showed a sharp decline (P<0.001) as soon as 1 week after irradiation. FSH and inhibin B did not return to baseline levels during the observation period. A negative correlation was found between FSH and inhibin B values (r=-0.35, P<0.001). Inhibin B correlated positively with testis volume (r=0.73, P<0.001) and sperm counts (r=0.55, P<0.01). In conclusion, this study shows that inhibin B represents an early and more sensitive marker of testicular damage than FSH. Furthermore, the rapid fall of inhibin B after irradiation suggests that this hormone is a direct parameter of premeiotic germ cell proliferation.

Restraint stress of male mice triggers apoptosis in spermatozoa and spermatogenic cells via activating the TNF-α system

Zygote ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Zhang ◽  
De-Ling Kong ◽  
Bin Xiao ◽  
Hong-Jie Yuan ◽  
Qiao-Qiao Kong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Stress ◽  
Restraint Stress ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Fertilization Rate ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Spermatogenic Cells ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
Testicular Cells ◽  
Tnf Α

SummaryStudies have indicated that psychological stress impairs human fertility and that various stressors can induce apoptosis of testicular cells. However, the mechanisms by which psychological stress on males reduces semen quality and stressors induce apoptosis in testicular cells are largely unclear. Using a psychological (restraint) stress mouse model, we tested whether male psychological stress triggers apoptosis of spermatozoa and spermatogenic cells through activating tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α signalling. Wild-type or TNF-α−/− male mice were restrained for 48 h before examination for apoptosis and expression of TNF-α and TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) in spermatozoa, epididymis, seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic cells. The results showed that male restraint significantly decreased fertilization rate and mitochondrial membrane potential, while increasing levels of malondialdehyde, active caspase-3, TNF-α and TNFR1 in spermatozoa. Male restraint also increased apoptosis and expression of TNF-α and TNFR1 in caudae epididymides, seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic cells. Sperm quality was also significantly impaired when spermatozoa were recovered 35 days after male restraint. The restraint-induced damage to spermatozoa, epididymis and seminiferous tubules was significantly ameliorated in TNF-α−/− mice. Furthermore, incubation with soluble TNF-α significantly reduced sperm motility and fertilizing potential. Taken together, the results demonstrated that male psychological stress induces apoptosis in spermatozoa and spermatogenic cells through activating the TNF-α system and that the stress-induced apoptosis in spermatogenic cells can be translated into impaired quality in future spermatozoa.

scholarly journals Varikocelės gydymas naudojant mikrochirurginį metodą

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Author(s):  
Tigran Zotov ◽  
Deimantas Šukys
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Testicular Volume ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Postoperative Control ◽  
Vilnius University ◽  
The Republic ◽  
E Mail

Tigran Zotov, Deimantas Šukys Respublikinės Vilniaus universitetinės ligoninės Urologijos skyrius, Šiltnamių g. 29, LT-04130 Vilnius El. paštas: [email protected] Įvadas Varikocelė yra gan dažna liga, nustatoma 10 proc. suaugusių vyrų, ir net 25 proc. tų vyrų, kurie tiriami dėl nevaisingumo. Varikocelė mažina sėklidžių apimtį, blogina spermos kokybę ir Leidigo ląstelių funkciją. Po varikocelės gydymo sėklidė padidėja, pagerėja spermos kokybė. Respublikinėje Vilniaus universitetinėje ligoninėje buvo pradėta naudoti mikrochirurginė varikocelės gydymo metodika. Metodai Nuo 2009 m. balandžio iki 2011 m. gegužės buvo atliktos septynios varikocelektomijos operacijos naudojant mikrochirurginę techniką. Rezultatai Intraoperacinių ar ankstyvųjų pooperacinių komplikacijų nebuvo. Iškvietus pakartotinio patikrinimo operuotus pacientus nerasta nė vieno varikocelės recidyvo. Išvados Varikocelė yra gan dažna liga, galinti lemti nevaisingumą. Dėl nevaisingumo besikreipiantiems vyrams, kuriems yra klinikinė varikocelės raiška ir nenormalius spermos tyrimas, indikuojamas operacinis gydymas. Jei yra galimybė pasinaudoti operaciniu mikroskopu, tikslinga atlikti mikrochirurginę varikocelektomiją, o jei tokios galimybės nėra, pirmučiausia alternatyva yra laparoskopinė varikocelektomija. Reikšminiai žodžiai: varikocelė, chirurginis gydymas. Varicocele treatment by the microsurgical method Tigran Zotov, Deimantas Šukys Republican Vilnius University Hospital, Department of Urology, Šiltnamių Str. 29, LT-04130 Vilnius, Lithuania E-mail: [email protected] Background Varicocele is a rather frequent disease found in 10% of adult males and in 25% of infertile men. Varicocele reduces the testicular volume, declines sperm quality and the function of the Leydig cells. After varicocele treatment, the testicular volume increases and sperm quality improves. Varicocele treatment by the microsurgical method was started at the Republic Vilnius University Hospital. Methods Seven varicocelectomies by the microsurgical way were performed from April 2009 till May 2011. Results No intraoperative or early postoperative complications were observed. There was no varicocele recurrences found on postoperative control visits. Conclusions Varicocele is a rather frequent disease which can cause infertility. Its surgical treatment is indicated in cases of a clinically apparent varicocele and abnormal sperm analysis. If possible (where a surgical microscope is accessible), microsurgical varicocelectomy is the preferred way of treatment. Laparoscopic varicocelectomy is the method of choice if there is no possibility to perform a microsurgical procedure. Key words: varicocele, surgical treatment

scholarly journals Correlation Between Ultrasonic Testicular Volume and Seminal Fluid Analysis in Men with Infertility

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-107
Author(s):  
Sadiq Abu ◽  
Hadijat O. Kolade-Yunusa ◽  
Terkaa Atim ◽  
F. Ehimatie Obakeye ◽  
Nuhu K. Dakum
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Seminal Fluid ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Testicular Volume ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testicular Function ◽  
Semen Volume ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Background: Infertility is a major cause of marital disharmony in Nigeria because of the high premium placed on childbearing. Unfortunately, the blame is on the woman most times in Nigeria. Seminiferous tubules comprise 80-90% of testicular mass. Thus, the testicular volume is an index of spermatogenesis. Therefore, accurate testicular volume will help in assessing testicular function if there is no obstruction. This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between testicular volume, measured by ultrasound and conventional sperm parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology) in men with infertility presenting to Urology Division, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada Abuja. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross sectional study, male subjects with infertility presenting to University of Abuja Teaching Hospital were recruited into the study. The testicular volume of all the subjects was measured by ultrasonography. The semen samples were collected by the process of masturbation on day five of sexual abstinence and analyzed according to WHO criteria 2010. Collated data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. P-value<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The average total testicular volume (TTV) of men with infertility was 19.83 ml while mean testicular volume (MTV) was 10.24 ml. There was a statistically significant difference between MTV and semen volume (r=0.391, p=0.000), and sperm concentration (r=0.639, p=0.000). There was a weak and insignificant correlation between MTV and sperm motility and MTV and morphology (r=0.216, p=0.055 and r=0.076, p=0.502) respectively. Linear regression analysis showed significant impact of MTV (P<0.001) on sperm concentration with a critical MTV of ≤10ml.0 indicating poor testicular function (severe oligospermia) Conclusion: The mean ultrasonic testicular volume in men with infertility in this study was 10.24ml and there was a significant positive correlation of MTV with semen volume and sperm concentration. Although, there was correlation of MTV with sperm motility and morphology, this was not significant. The critical mean ultrasonic testicular volume indicating poor testicular function (severe oligospermia) was found to be 10ml. This study has shown that the mean ultrasonic testicular volume can be a pointer to semen volume and sperm concentration in evaluating men with infertility.

scholarly journals Effects of Environmental and Pathological Hypoxia on Male Fertility

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhibin Li ◽  
Sumin Wang ◽  
Chunli Gong ◽  
Yiyang Hu ◽  
Jiao Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Reproductive Toxicity ◽  
Causative Factor ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Causal Association ◽  
Spermatogenic Cells ◽  
Male Population

Male infertility is a widespread health problem affecting approximately 6%–8% of the male population, and hypoxia may be a causative factor. In mammals, two types of hypoxia are known, including environmental and pathological hypoxia. Studies looking at the effects of hypoxia on male infertility have linked both types of hypoxia to poor sperm quality and pregnancy outcomes. Hypoxia damages testicular seminiferous tubule directly, leading to the disorder of seminiferous epithelium and shedding of spermatogenic cells. Hypoxia can also disrupt the balance between oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis of spermatogenic cells, resulting in impaired self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonia, and failure of meiosis. In addition, hypoxia disrupts the secretion of reproductive hormones, causing spermatogenic arrest and erectile dysfunction. The possible mechanisms involved in hypoxia on male reproductive toxicity mainly include excessive ROS mediated oxidative stress, HIF-1α mediated germ cell apoptosis and proliferation inhibition, systematic inflammation and epigenetic changes. In this review, we discuss the correlations between hypoxia and male infertility based on epidemiological, clinical and animal studies and enumerate the hypoxic factors causing male infertility in detail. Demonstration of the causal association between hypoxia and male infertility will provide more options for the treatment of male infertility

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