Search Results (100)

Background: Mini-puberty is a transient but critical postnatal activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, essential for male gonadal maturation, penile and testicular growth, and future reproductive potential: this physiological hormonal surge is absent or blunted in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH), often manifesting as micropenis, cryptorchidism, and impaired Sertoli cell proliferation. Objective: The aim of this review is to summarize current evidence on the impact of early gonadotropin therapy in male infants with CHH. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review using PubMed, including studies reporting on male infants with confirmed or suspected CHH receiving gonadotropin therapy. Keywords included “mini-puberty and hypogonadism”, “gonadotropins and infancy,” and “gonadotropin therapy in CHH.” Eligible studies reported biochemical outcomes (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, inhibin B, anti-Müllerian hormone) and clinical measures (penile length, testicular volume, testicular descent). Data extraction focused on endocrine responses, genital growth, and safety. Results: Twelve studies including 95 infants were analyzed. Early gonadotropin therapy effectively restored postnatal hormonal levels, with consistent increases in testosterone, inhibin B, and anti-Müllerian hormone. Clinically, treatment induced significant penile growth, increased testicular volume and partial or complete testicular descent in the majority of cases. Both continuous infusion and intermittent injection regimens were effective, though hormone kinetics and growth responses varied. No serious adverse events were reported, and therapy was generally well tolerated. Conclusions: Early gonadotropin therapy during mini-puberty represents a safe and effective intervention to replicate the physiological postnatal hormonal surge in male infants with CHH. Prospective longitudinal studies are warranted to evaluate sustained effects on puberty, fertility, and adult reproductive function. Full article

The study of the relationship between testicular morphology and sperm quality is a pressing issue, for which molecular genetic approaches, including quantitative analysis of gene expression, are being implemented. The aim of this study was to identify correlations between the histomorphological structure of the testes, fresh sperm parameters, and the expression level of key spermatogenesis genes—TGFB2 and DMRT1—in roosters. The experiment was conducted on 10 Russian Snow White roosters aged 28–32 weeks. Sperm quality was assessed by volume, sperm concentration, total and progressive motility, and viability; histological analysis of the rooster testes was performed. The relative expression of the TGFB2 and DMRT1 genes in sperm was analyzed. Multiple correlation analysis of the data was conducted. A positive correlation was found between ejaculate volume and the number of spermatogonia (p = +0.651), a negative correlation between ejaculate volume and the number of second-order spermatocytes (p = −0.704), a negative correlation between the total cross-sectional area of the seminiferous tubules of the testes and sperm viability (p = −0.782), a negative correlation between the number of seminiferous tubules and the average diameter of their cross-section (p = −0.685), and a positive correlation between total and progressive sperm motility (p = +0.794). Analysis of TGFB2 and DMRT1 gene expression in sperm demonstrated a certain relationship between molecular genetic mechanisms and histomorphometric parameters. The expression level of the DMRT1 gene, which plays a key role in sex determination in birds during embryogenesis, had a number of negative correlations with such parameters as testicle weight (r = −0.782), total/progressive sperm motility (r = −0.552; r = −0.612), and viability (r = −0.552). Expression of the TGFB2 gene had no significant relationship with the studied parameters, but correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship (r = +0.321) with DMRT1 gene expression. The data obtained indicate the expediency of integrating morphometric, cellular, and molecular analysis for an objective assessment of rooster reproductive function. Full article

Background/Objectives: Varicocele is a common cause of testicular hypotrophy and impaired semen quality in adolescents. Laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV) and microsurgical varicocelectomy (MV) with internal spermatic vein-superficial epigastric vein bypass are established treatment options. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes, complication rates, and functional recovery between LV and MV in adolescents. Methods: A retrospective two-center analysis was conducted on adolescents who underwent LV or MV between 2019 and 2024. Primary outcomes included postoperative complications, recurrence, testicular volume recovery, and semen parameter improvement. Secondary outcomes included operative time, hospital stay, and return to full activity. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 430 patients met the inclusion criteria (270 LV, 160 MV). LV had a significantly shorter operative time (15 ± 5.1 min vs. 55.5 ± 6.4 min; p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in hospital stay (p = 0.28), postoperative hematoma (p = 0.06), hydrocele (p = 0.06), or recurrence rates (p = 0.20). Full recovery of testicular volume occurred in 75.0% after LV vs. 70.6% after MV (p = 0.40). Overall semen improvement was 89.5% in LV vs. 100% in MV (p = 0.07). Normalization of oligospermia was significantly higher in the MV group (92.8% vs. 65.3%; p = 0.0048). Conclusions: Both LV and MV are safe and effective techniques for adolescent varicocele repair, with comparable complication and recurrence rates. LV offers significantly shorter operative time, whereas MV provides a superior improvement in semen parameters, suggesting a potential advantage of microsurgical repair in adolescents presenting with abnormal semen analysis. Full article

Postnatal testicular maturation in domestic cats remains poorly quantified despite its relevance for reproductive biology, veterinary practice, and the management of threatened felid species. This study aimed to characterize age-related changes in testicular structure from six to thirty-six months of age. Testes were collected from clinically healthy cats undergoing routine orchiectomy, and design-based stereology was used to estimate the volumes and densities of the main testicular components, including the seminiferous epithelium, interstitial tissue, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells. Immunohistochemical detection of Desert Hedgehog, a developmental signaling molecule, was performed to assess interstitial maturation. Testicular volume and the absolute volumes of the seminiferous epithelium, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells increased significantly with age, while the numerical density of Leydig cells remained stable, indicating hypertrophy rather than proliferation. Desert Hedgehog immunoreactivity declined progressively across age groups, consistent with the transition from immature to mature interstitial cells. Principal component analysis revealed a clear separation between immature and mature testes based on volumetric and density variables. These results demonstrate that feline testicular maturation follows a coordinated pattern of tubular and interstitial growth and provide quantitative reference values useful for reproductive assessment, comparative studies, and conservation programs in domestic and wild felids. Full article

Parasitic infection is a major cause of infertility in small ruminants. This study aimed to assess the association between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurements, testicular morphometrics, and sperm quality in parasitized goats. Thirty-eight intact mature Spanish bucks were allowed to graze on a naturally parasitically infected pasture for 3 months. Nineteen bucks were dewormed regularly (healthy group), while the other 19 bucks did not receive any anthelmintics (parasitized group). Fecal and blood samples were collected weekly to assess fecal egg count (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV), respectively. Based on the size and morphology of the parasite eggs, they were presumptively identified as Haemonchus contortus. At the end of the grazing period, bucks were slaughtered, and testicles and epididymis were collected for analysis. In addition, BIA was applied to each testicle to measure series resistance (Rs) and reactance (Xc). Epididymal spermatozoa were retrieved and evaluated for motility, viability, morphology, and membrane and acrosome integrities. Data was analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U and Pearson Correlation Coefficient tests. The results showed that Rs (169.41 ± 1.76 Ω vs. 235.21 ± 20.21 Ω), Xc (37.55 ± 0.48 Ω vs. 52.08 ± 4.68 Ω), testicular and epididymis weights and lengths, sperm motility, viability, and membrane and acrosome integrities were lower (p < 0.0001) in parasitized than in healthy goats. Strong correlations (p < 0.001) were observed between Rs, sperm viability (r = 0.20), membrane integrity (r = 0.15), and acrosome integrity (r = 0.14), as well as between Xc and the same sperm parameters (r = 0.21, 0.18, and 0.16, respectively). In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that parasitic infection is associated with testicular health and subsequent epididymal sperm quality of goats. BIA can be utilized as an efficient tool to predict the impact of parasitic infection on testicular function in goats. Full article

Background/Objective: Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from wireless technologies has raised concerns about male reproductive health. We aimed to evaluate the protective role of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a potent antioxidant, against testicular alterations induced by 2.45 GHz EMR. Methods: Twenty-eight adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, EMR, ALA, and ALA+EMR. Animals in the EMR and ALA+EMR groups were exposed to EMR for 2 h/day for 1 month. Testicular tissues were examined histologically, stereologically, and immunohistochemically, while serum samples were analysed biochemically. Results: EMR exposure caused marked structural damage, including disruption of seminiferous tubule architecture, increased collagen deposition, and expansion of tubular and interstitial volumes. These pathological changes were primarily prevented in the ALA+EMR group. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed increased IL-6 and TNF-α expression following EMR exposure, whereas ALA supplementation significantly reduced these inflammatory markers and restored AR, ZO-1, and ZO-2 expression. Biochemically, EMR reduced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GSH, GPx) and elevated MDA levels, indicating oxidative stress; these parameters were reversed by ALA treatment. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings demonstrate that 2.45 GHz EMR induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and testicular injury, while ALA provides significant protection. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of ALA as a protective agent against EMR-related reproductive toxicity and infertility risk. Full article

This study explores the effects of exogenous SELENOV on cellular migration, viability, mitochondrial function, ROS production, and Ca²⁺ signaling in mouse fibroblast L-929 and testicular teratoma F-9 cells. In scratch assays, 50–100 µg/mL SELENOV significantly inhibited F-9 cell migration after 48 h, while in L-929 fibroblasts, only 100 µg/mL had a suppressive effect. Viability assays revealed strong cytotoxicity in F-9 cells. Critically, at a dose of 50 µg/mL (where the corresponding volume of solvent buffer alone was non-toxic), SELENOV reduced survival to 19%, triggering late apoptosis in 76% of cells, whereas in L-929 cells, comparable effects required 100 µg/mL. Mitochondrial depolarization (JC-1/Rhodamine-123 assays) was pronounced in F-9 cells even at 50 µg/mL, while L-929 cells responded only to 100 µg/mL. Similarly, 50 µg/mL SELENOV induced significant ROS overproduction in F-9 but not in L-929 cells, correlating with upregulated NOX1, NOX4, GPX3, and GPX4 expression. Ca²⁺ imaging showed dose-dependent [Ca²⁺]ᵢ elevation, with 50 µg/mL SELENOV inducing a sustained rise in F-9 cells, whereas L-929 cells required higher doses. Strikingly, 50 µg/mL SELENOV in F-9 cells downregulated BCL-2 and BCL-xL while upregulating pro-apoptotic BAX and PUMA, suggesting selective activation of intrinsic apoptosis. These results demonstrate that F-9 cancer cells are significantly more sensitive to SELENOV than normal fibroblasts, with 50 µg/mL sufficient to trigger mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The findings highlight SELENOV’s potential as a targeted anticancer agent, particularly for germ cell tumors. Full article

The present research aimed to analyze the influence of dietary supplementation with grape skin flour (GSF) in rams on body weight, body condition, semen quality, plasma testosterone levels, behavior, and fertility. The biological material consisted of four groups of rams (GSF0, GSF30, GSF60, and GSF90), with each group comprising six adult individuals. The experimental period lasted 60 days and was carried out prior to the onset of the mating season. During this period, the experimental factor was represented by the supplementation level: GSF30 received 30 g GSF/kg dry matter (DM), GSF60 received 60 g GSF/kg DM, while GSF90 received 90 g GSF/kg DM. Although no significant differences in live body weight (LW) were observed among groups at the beginning of the mating period (MP), the additional supplementation with GSF supported a more consistent accumulation of body reserves. As a result, at the onset of the mating season (MS), body weight increased, though with different intensities: by 0.77% in L0 and by more than 6% in GSF90, with the difference between L0 and GSF90 being highly significant at p ≥ 0.01 (p value = 0.0028). Furthermore, GSF administration induced highly significant differences between GSF0 and GSF60 in body condition score (p ≤ 0.01), and high significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) between GSF0 and GSF90 in testicular circumference. Regarding ejaculate volume, differences were highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) only between GSF0 and GSF60, whereas sperm motility showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between GSF0 and GSF60, and highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) between GSF0 and GSF90. The fertility of the rams, assessed by the total number of ewes fertilized, showed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) between GSF0 and GSF60, as well as between GSF0 and GSF90. Full article

This study, for the first time, evaluated the therapeutic potential of resveratrol-loaded phytosome nanoparticles (RES-PNPs) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and associated testicular dysfunction, compared with free resveratrol (RES). Ninety male Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups, (1) control; (2) RES (10 mg/kg/day, orally); (3) RES-PNPs (10 mg/kg/day, orally); (4) EAC, induced by intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 × 10⁶ cells; (5) EAC + RES; and (6) EAC + RES-PNPs, treated for 20 days post-tumor inoculation. Tumor growth parameters, reproductive function, antioxidant enzyme activities, inflammatory mediators, apoptotic markers, and histopathological features were assessed. Additionally, in silico docking was performed to identify molecular targets mediating RES effects. RES-PNPs markedly reduced tumor volume, ascitic cell viability, and body weight gain while significantly prolonging survival compared with free RES. Molecular assays revealed enhanced pro-apoptotic signaling (increased Bax and Caspase-3, decreased Bcl-2), suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and inhibition of COX-2 with reduced TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β levels. RES-PNPs also restored semen quality, normalized reproductive hormones, elevated antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced lipid and protein oxidation, corroborated by notable testicular histological protection. In conclusion, Resveratrol-loaded phytosome nanoparticles provide superior anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic benefits compared with free RES. These findings highlight RES-PNPs as a potent and stable nanoformulation for effective EAC suppression and preservation of male reproductive integrity. Full article

Newborn mice (up to 6 d after birth) are suitable for genetic manipulations, such as facial vein-mediated injection, owing to their hairless and thin skin. Their small body volumes also facilitate the rapid dissemination of injected solutions, supporting gene engineering-related experiments. However, anesthesia in newborns is challenging because of the potential risks associated with anesthetic agents. Isoflurane inhalation anesthesia is an option, although its effects on brain development remain under investigation. In this study, we established a reproducible protocol for delivering nucleic acids to juvenile mouse testes using a simple isoflurane-based anesthetic system prepared from common laboratory equipment. Using this system, nucleic acids were successfully delivered to juvenile mouse testes via intra-testicular injection, followed by in vivo electroporation. The present isoflurane-based method achieved >90% postoperative survival with normal maternal nursing observations. Gene delivery resulted in limited transfection of seminiferous tubules but efficient interstitial Leydig cell transfection. Thus, gene engineering in somatic and germ cells in neonatal mice will be facilitated using the anesthetic protocol established in this study. Full article

Ultrasound has been used to diagnose many diseases in human and veterinary medicine, with excellent results. The present study aimed to assess the effect of cisplatin on testicular size using ultrasound imaging. The study was conducted on adult male rats divided into two equal groups: a control group (C) and an experimental group (CP) which received an intraperitoneal injection (I.P.) of 5 mg/kg cisplatin once a week for two consecutive weeks on day 6 (d6) and d12 of the experiment. After a period of 3 days following each injection, an ultrasound scan was performed to measure testicular volume following exposure to cisplatin (CP). The results indicate that testicular size increased significantly after the first dose (d6) (L: 1.67 ± 0.09, W: 0.91 ± 0.10) compared with the control group (L: 1.53 ± 0.07, W: 0.92 ± 0.03) and continued to increase after the second dose (d12) (L: 1.96 ± 0.18, W: 0.98 ± 0.11). In conclusion, these results indicate that the use of ultrasound technology to monitor testicular size after each dose produced excellent and very clear results, enabling testicular lesions to be diagnosed after cisplatin chemotherapy without the need for surgery or dissection. Full article

This study aims to demonstrate whether immunization against inhibin could alters testicular echotexture (TE), hemodynamics (resistance and pulstalilty index [RI and PI], testicular blood flow volume [TBFV]), and semen picture. Senile male camels were immunized actively against inhibin alpha subunit (immunized males; n = 5; subcutaneous route; 1 mL) or non immunized (control males; n = 5). The injection was four times with four weeks intervals. Semen was collected by electroejaculator once per week. Blood sampling, ultrasonography, and hormonal assaying was performed once per week. The levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and nitric oxide (NO) were calculated. Regarding control camels, the FSH levels were elevated (p < 0.01) in immunized males weeks 6–9 in August. Both E2 and NO were increased in the same group at weeks 7–11 with the highest level in week 10 for E2 (17.01 ± 0.11 pg/mL) in September and in week 9 for NO (44.66 ± 0.15 µmol/L). The Doppler indices RI and PI were declined (p < 0.01) in immunized camels in weeks 7–11, while the TBFV was elevated (p < 0.01). A marked elevation (p < 0.05) in testicular volume was noticed in the immunized group with a decline in the TE in week 9. The sperm cell concentration and viability were elevated (p < 0.01) in the immunized group. In conclusion, the active immunization against inhibin in senile camels shows a positive effect via improvement of testicular hemodynamics, flow volume, testicular volume, FSH, E2, NO, and sperm cell concentration with viability %, and alterations in both Doppler indices with the TE. Full article

Background/Objectives: A varicocele is a common, treatable cause of male infertility involving testicular alterations. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a noninvasive imaging technique that may detect testicular changes. This study aimed to assess the testicular volume and stiffness (using SWE), compare them with healthy controls, and examine the associations with venous diameter and semen parameters. Methods: This prospective comparative study included 69 patients with a varicocele and 76 healthy controls. The testicular stiffness and volume were measured and compared among three groups: testes with a varicocele (Group A), contralateral healthy testes of the same patients (Group B), and testes of healthy individuals (Group C). In varicocele patients, the semen analysis results were compared with testicular stiffness and volume. The statistical analyses included an ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis tests, a correlation analysis, and a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: Group A showed a significantly lower testicular volume compared to Group B (p = 0.004) and Group C (p < 0.001), and significantly higher SWE values compared to both groups (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between Group B and Group C (volume: p = 0.642; SWE: p = 0.094). In oligospermic varicocele patients, the testicular stiffness tended to be higher, though the difference was not significant (p = 0.051). The correlations between the testicular stiffness and volume (Group A: p = 0.488; Group B: p = 0.872; Group C: p = 0.222), between the venous diameter and stiffness (p = 0.067), and between the venous diameter and testicular volume (p = 0.245) were not statistically significant. The SWE cut-off value of 9.26 kPa provided a sensitivity of 73.1% (95% CI: 62.3–81.7%) and a specificity of 79.6% (95% CI: 72.5–85.2%) for identifying varicoceles. Conclusions: Varicoceles are associated with an increased testicular stiffness and a decreased volume, which may indicate possible structural parenchymal alterations. Shear wave elastography appeared to be capable of noninvasively detecting these changes and may have potential as a quantitative adjunct tool for evaluating testicular parenchymal changes in varicocele patients. However, further studies are required to validate these preliminary findings. Full article

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) severely hinders the development of the livestock industry and impacts economic efficiency. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the epigenetic regulation of animal growth and development. Using IUGR pigs as a model, this study analyzed transcriptomic data from IUGR piglets to investigate the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in their testes. Compared with NBW pigs, IUGR pigs exhibited reduced testicular volume, decreased weight, and abnormal testicular development. A total of 4945 differentially expressed mRNAs and 53 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in IUGR testicular tissues, including 1748 downregulated and 3197 upregulated mRNAs, as well as 41 upregulated and 12 downregulated miRNAs. The integrated analysis of differentially expressed genes, miRNA target genes, and the miRNA-mRNA network revealed that IUGR may impair testicular development by disrupting cell cycle progression and apoptotic pathways, thereby hindering normal testicular cell growth. Furthermore, analysis of the miRNA-mRNA network indicated that miRNAs such as ssc-miR-23a, ssc-miR-29c, ssc-miR-193a-3p, and ssc-miR-574-3p could serve as potential marker miRNAs for IUGR testes, while YWHAZ, YWHAB, and PPP2CA may function as core target genes within this regulatory network. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of male reproduction in IUGR pigs and provides a theoretical foundation for preventing and treating IUGR-induced male reproductive disorders. Full article

Lasia spinosa Thwaites (LST) has emerged as a potential supplement for enhancing male reproductive performance. This study evaluated the effects of long-term oral supplementation with LST on hematological parameters, semen characteristics, ultrasonographic measurements of the prostate gland and testes, and the cryopreservation potential of canine sperm. Six healthy male dogs received oral LST supplementation at a dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight once daily for 7 days (short-term). After a three-month washout period to ensure full physiological recovery, the same dogs underwent a long-term supplementation protocol (60 days). In the short-term trial, no clinically significant changes were observed in hematological or serum biochemical parameters, including complete blood count, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, and albumin; all parameters were within normal reference ranges. Serum testosterone levels and semen characteristics were also unaffected (p > 0.05). During the long-term treatment, blood profiles and testosterone levels remained stable. Although prostatic and testicular volumes increased slightly, the changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). A significant increase in semen volume was observed (p < 0.05), while other semen parameters showed no significant differences. Notably, post-thaw sperm motility significantly improved at both 15 min and 4 h after thawing, and sperm viability was significantly enhanced at 4 h post-thaw (p < 0.05), suggesting a potential protective effect of LST during cryopreservation. These findings indicate that LST supplementation is physiologically safe and may improve canine sperm quality during freezing and thawing, supporting its potential application in reproductive health management. Full article