精浆和血清生殖激素与精液质量的关系

目的为了评估精液质量不同的男性精浆和血清生殖激素的浓度与精子浓度及活动力的关系,探索精浆与血清生殖激素的关系。方法对301名男性进行精液检查,按照精液的质量参数将受试对象分成4组:精液正常组(n=176),弱精子症组(n=66),少精子症组(n=40)和非梗阻性无精子症组(n=19)。采用电化学发光免疫法测定各组受试对象血清卵泡刺激素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)、泌乳素(PRL)、孕酮(P)、睾酮(T)和雌二醇(E2)六项生殖激素和精浆PRL、T、P和E2四项生殖激素的浓度,比较组间差异并进行相关性分析。结果精液正常组和弱精子症组血清FSH和E2的浓度显著低于少精子症组和非梗阻性无精子症组(P0.05),精液正常组血清LH和P的浓度显著低于弱精子症、少精子症和非梗阻性无精子症的人群(P0.05);而精液正常、弱精子症和少精子症三组精浆PRL的浓度则高于非梗阻性无精子症组(P0.05)。除了非梗阻性无精子症组,受试者血清FSH的浓度与其精子浓度呈负相关(r分别为-0.350、-0.273和-0.448,P0.05)。精液正常组精浆PRL的浓度和精子的浓度之间呈正相关(r=0.269,P0.05);在少精子症组中,亦有相同趋势的相关性(r=0.432,P0.05)。结论精浆PRL及血清FSH的浓度能够反映精子浓度或活动力,在男性不育的病因分析中具有一定的指导价值。     

非梗阻性无精子症相关病因分析

目的 :探讨非梗阻性无精子症患者血清和精浆中的性激素水平、精浆表皮生长因子、α 葡萄糖苷酶、果糖水平及其变化 ,以及染色体分析的意义。　方法 :采用放射免疫法、比色法、染色体G、C显带等方法 ,对 36例已婚非梗阻性无精子症患者和 2 6例正常已婚有精子男性进行生殖内分泌、遗传学等结果比较 ,探讨导致不育的病因。　结果 :非梗阻性无精子症患者血清中FSH、LH、PRL、E2均高于正常对照男性 ,T水平两者间差异无显著性。而精浆中除FSH外 ,其余差异均无显著性。非梗阻性无精子症组性染色体异常 2例 ,大Y 2例 ,小Y 7例 ,精浆表皮生长因子、果糖两者间无相关性。　结论 :非梗阻性无精子症与血清性激素水平、α 葡萄糖苷酶、染色体异常有密切关系     

Cytogenetic and molecular analysis of the Y chromosome: absence of a significant relationship between CAG repeat length in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene and infertility in Indian men

The genetic basis of male infertility remains unclear in the majority of cases. Recent studies have indicated an association between microdeletions of the azoospermia factor a (AZFa)-AZFc regions of Yq and severe oligospermia or azoospermia. Increased (CAG)n repeat lengths in the androgen receptor (AR) gene have also been reported in infertile men. Therefore, in order to assess the prevalence of these genetic defects to male infertility, 183 men with non-obstructive azoospermia (n = 70), obstructive azoospermia (n = 33), severe oligospermia (n = 80) and 59 fertile men were examined cytogenetically and at molecular level for Yq deletions, microdeletions, and AR-CAG repeat lengths along with hormonal profiles [luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T)]. We used high resolution cytogenetics to detect chromosome deletions and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) involving 27 sequence-tagged site (STS) markers on Yq to determine the rate and extent of Yq microdeletions. PCR amplification with primers flanking exon 1 of AR gene was used to determine the AR-(CAG)n repeat lengths. Hormonal profiles (LH, FSH and T levels) were also analysed in infertile and fertile men. Testicular biopsies showed Sertoli cell only (SCO) morphology, maturation arrests (MA) and hypospermatogenesis. No chromosome aberrations were found in infertile men but there was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the association of acrocentric chromosomes including the Y chromosome. Yq microdeletions were found in 16 non-obstructive azoospermic men (16 of 70; 22%) and seven severe oligospermic individuals (seven of 80; 8.7%) and most of them had deletions in the sY240 locus. No Yq microdeletions were detected in patients with obstructive azoospermia. No statistically significant difference in the mean length of CAG repeats in AR gene was observed between infertile and fertile men (22.2 +/- 1.5 and 21.5 +/- 1.4 respectively). No significant increase or decrease in levels of LH, FSH and T was observed in infertile and fertile men. In some infertile men, significantly elevated levels of FSH alone or in combination with LH were found to be indicative of failure of spermatogenesis and/or suggestive of testicular failure. Y-chromosome microdeletions contribute to infertility in some patients but no relationship could be established with the (CAG)n repeat lengths in exon 1 of the AR gene in infertile Indian men.     

Effect of epidural anesthesia on the function of hormonal regulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis

To evaluate the effects of epidural anesthesia on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, we examined the concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T). The effects of epidural anesthesia on plasma levels of LH, FSH and T were investigated in 8 men aged from 64 to 87 years, suffering from untreated prostate cancer. There were no significant differences in plasma levels of LH, FSH or T between patients under epidural anesthesia and patients under no anesthesia. The effects of epidural anesthesia on plasma levels of LH, FSH and T after LH releasing hormone (LH-RH) administration were studied in 10 men between 65 and 84 years with diagnoses of untreated prostate cancer. Plasma LH and FSH levels increased significantly after LH-RH administration under epidural anesthesia or no anesthesia. Plasma LH and FSH were lower under epidural anesthesia than under no anesthesia. No change in plasma T level was observed after LH-RH administration under epidural anesthesia. We conclude that there is no effect of epidural anesthesia on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis.     

Frequency of Y chromosome microdeletions and chromosomal abnormalities in infertile Thai men with oligozoospermia and azoospermia

Aim： To investigate the possible causes of oligozoospermia and azoospermia in infertile Thai men, and to find the frequencies of Y chromosome microdeletions and cytogenetic abnormalities in this group. Methods： From June 2003 to November 2005, 50 azoospermic and 80 oligozoospermic men were enrolled in the study. A detailed history was taken for each man, followed by general and genital examinations. Y chromosome microdeletions were detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR） using 11 gene-specific primers that covered all three regions of the azoospermic factor （AZFa, AZFb and AZFc）. Fifty men with normal semen analysis were also studied. Karyotyping was done with the standard G- and Q-banding. Serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone （FSH）, luteinizing hormone （LH）, prolactin （PRL） and testosterone were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays （ECLIA）. Results： Azoospermia and oligozoospermia could be explained by previous orchitis in 22.3%, former bilateral cryptorchidism in 19.2%, abnormal karyotypes in 4.6% and Y chromosome microdeletions in 3.8% of the subjects. The most frequent deletions were in the AZFc region （50%）, followed by AZFb （33%） and AZFbc （17%）. No significant difference was detected in hormonal profiles of infertile men, with or without microdeletions. Conclusion： The frequencies of Y chromosome microdeletions and cytogenetic abnormalities in oligozoospermic and azoospermic Thai men are comparable with similarly infertile men from other Asian and Western countries.     

特发性无、少精子症病人精浆中性激素水平的测定及意义

目的 :通过测定特发性无、少精子症病人精浆中的性激素水平 ,比较分析精浆性激素与无、少精子症的关系。　方法 :特发性无、少精子症男性各 5 0例 ,正常对照 5 0例。精液常规分析判断精子密度 ,化学发光技术测定精浆性激素水平。　结果 :特发性无、少精子症组黄体生成素 (LH)分别为 (5 .19± 0 .6 7)IU/L和 (4.77± 0 .6 8)IU/L ,与正常组 (2 .19± 0 .2 2 )IU/L相比 ,特发性无精子症组差异有极显著性 (P <0 .0 1) ,特发性少精子症组与正常组相比差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;卵泡刺激素 (FSH)分别为 (1.90± 0 .79)IU/L和 (2 .2 7± 0 .2 5 )IU/L ,与正常组 (1.6 1± 0 .14)IU/L相比 ,差异均有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;泌乳素 (PRL)分别为 (6 .2 5± 0 .34 )ng/ml和 (6 .33±0 .5 1)ng/ml,与正常组 (6 .36± 0 .32 )ng/ml相比差异均无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 ) ;睾酮 (T)分别为 (1.5 1± 0 .12 )ng/ml和 (1.6 8± 0 .71)ng/ml,与正常组 (1.83± 0 .0 9)ng/ml相比 ,特发性无精子症组差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,特发性少精子症组差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 ) ;T/LH的比值分别为 0 .2 9± 0 .0 4和 0 .35± 0 .0 9,与对照组 0 .84± 0 .2 0相比 ,差异均有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。　结论 :特发性无、少精子症病人 ,精浆     

生殖激素检测在男性不育症诊断中的意义

本文报道了我院对３１５例男性不育症患者在第一次就诊时进行血清生殖激素ＦＳＨ、ＬＨ、Ｔ、ＰＲＬ、Ｅ２水平的检测，并进行详细的病史询问、常规体检和精液分析等检查。结果显示血清Ｔ值在不同的精子密度层次的男性不育症患者均呈正态分布。睾丸容积减少，ＦＳＨ、ＬＨ上升，Ｔ／ＬＨ下降，提示睾丸功能损害，并且Ｔ／ＬＨ的比值更能反映间质细胞的功能。血清ＰＲＬ和Ｅ２值在诊断高催乳素血症不育有意义，但在男性生育者和不生育者之间无明显差别。而且ＦＳＨ值在鉴别睾丸原发性与梗阻性无精子症是一项重要指标。作者讨论了血清生殖激素测定在不育症诊断中、在判定睾丸功能的损害程度中的意义。     

睾丸大小测量在无精子症诊断中的意义

本文对62例无精子症患者及15例具生育力男子的睾丸体积进行了测量,并研究其与睾丸内分泌指标及病理变化间的相关性。结果表明特发性无精子症患者睾丸体积明显减小,而且睾丸大小与血清FSH、LH、T及睾丸病理DMPS评分显著相关。提示睾丸体积测量在临床物理诊断中具有重要的意义。     

Effect of hyperprolactinemia and age on the hypogonadism of uremic men on hemodialysis

Primary hypogonadism has been commonly reported among uremic men on hemodialysis, characterized by low testosterone levels, increased luteinizing hormone and sometimes follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Little is known about the influence of hyperprolactinemia and age on this hypogonadism. In 149 hemodialysis patients and in 60 healthy subjects the serum levels of testosterone (T), gonadotropins (LH and FSH) and prolactin (PRL) were assessed through radioimmunoassay. Mean +/- SD hormone levels were: T 274 +/- 125 ng/100 ml, lower than controls; LH 44.7 +/- 46.1 mlU/ml and FSH 17.6 +/- 18.4 mIU/ml, both higher than controls. PRL 31.3 +/- 49.4 ng/ml, higher than controls. A positive correlation between LH and FSH, a negative correlation between PRL and both T and LH was found. Moreover T and FSH were correlated with age only in the normoprolactinemic patients. These data suggest: a common damaging mechanism by uremia on both interstitial and tubular structures of the testis; a central antigonadal influence of hyperprolactinemia even if a direct action on the testis cannot be excluded; a worsening action of age on the gonadal function of these patients.     

Diurnal variations of pituitary and testicular hormones in paraplegic men

The effect of the neuro-spinal cord injury upon testicular physiology was evaluated in six adult paraplegic (PPG) men by measuring the circulating levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), androstenedione, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone every 4 hr throughout a 24-hr period. Three PPG men were studied within the first 3 months (acute period) and the other three patients 39-79 months (stabilized period) after trauma. Hormonal values were compared with eight age-matched normal adult males. Plasma FSH and LH were constantly above normal concentrations regardless of the sampling time and period of observation, whereas prolactin was higher than normal only during the first two months after trauma, returning to normal afterwards. Plasma androgens were consistently below normal during the first 3 months after injury, and returned toward normal thereafter. There may be a direct relationship between the time elapsed after the spinal cord injury and the plasma androgens concentrations. A possible role of PRL in testicular steroidogenesis is suggested.     

CAG repeat length analysis and mutation screening of the androgen receptor gene in Japanese men with idiopathic azoospermia.

Because androgens are required for normal spermatogenesis, we are investigating abnormalities in the androgen receptor as a possible cause of impaired spermatogenesis in patients with idiopathic male infertility. The CAG repeat length in exon 1 and mutations of the androgen receptor gene were studied in 30 men with idiopathic azoospermia and in 51 fertile men. In men with azoospermia, plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels were measured and testicular biopsies were performed. The CAG repeat length ranged from 19 to 30 (mean 23.4 +/- 2.9) and from 17 to 28 (mean 23.7 +/- 3.2) in men with azoospermia and in controls, respectively. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups. In men with azoospermia, the Johnsen testicular biopsy score negatively correlated with plasma FSH (P < .01). However, the Johnsen testicular biopsy score did not correlate with plasma LH and testosterone levels. The CAG repeat length did not correlate with the Johnsen testicular biopsy score, or with plasma concentrations of LH, FSH, and testosterone. No abnormalities in the androgen receptor gene were detected. These facts suggest that the CAG repeat length and alterations in the androgen receptor gene are not associated with the etiology of idiopathic azoospermia.     

Gonadotropins,testosterone and prolactin in men with abnormal semen findings and an evaluation of the hormone profile

Over a 4-year period, 259 men were investigated regarding primary (86.5%) or secondary (13.5%) infertility. Men with azoospermia had significantly higher concentrations of FSH and LH and lower concentrations of testosterone than those with spermatozoa. High concentrations of FSH and LH in serum were found in case of low sperm density. Men with low testicular voluem had high concentrations of FSH and LH and low concentrations of testosterone. FSH was closely correlated with LH and also with total testicular volume. A negative correlation was found between both gonadotropins and testosterone. The correlation between LH and testosterone was stronger in azoospermic men than in those with spermatozoa in semen. Serum concentrations of prolactin were higher in men with high sperm motility than among men with low motility of spermatozoa. Otherwise, prolactin concentrations were not correlated either with sperm density or with the morphology of spermatozoa or total testicular volume. A ‘hormone profile’ of FSH, LH and testosterone concentrations is suggested useful in the routine investigation of the infertile man, as more information is given by this profile than by FSH concentrations alone.     

Further evidence of the clinical, hormonal, and genetic heterogeneity of Klinefelter syndrome: a study of 216 infertile Egyptian patients

This study aims to provide further insight into the phenotypic heterogeneity of Klinefelter syndrome (KS) by presenting clinical, hormonal, and genetic data from a large series of Egyptian infertile patients with KS. A retrospective case series of KS patients was studied over a period from January 2003 to April 2010. All patients underwent a complete history and physical examination; color duplex examination; semen analysis; measurement of total testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and prolactin (PRL); and chromosomal typing. Mosaic KS diagnosis was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The series included 216 KS patients (198 nonmosaic, 16 mosaic, and 2 KS variants). Typical clinical signs of hypoandrogenism were observed in 86% of patients. Gynecomastia affected 20.8% of the patients. Eunuchoidal body proportions, with arm span exceeding height and lower segment length exceeding upper segment length, were detected in 43.9% and 64.4% of the patients, respectively. In all patients, a reduction in testicular size and azoospermia were detected. Normal levels of T, FSH, LH, E2, and PRL were detected in 44.5%, 3.7%, 3.3%, 93.5%, and 91.2% of patients, respectively. Differences were not significant between patients with classic KS and those with mosaic KS in terms of the frequency of clinical signs of hypoandrogenism, gynecomastia, low T concentrations, or high concentrations of FSH, LH, E2, and PRL (all P > .05). The results of the current study emphasize the heterogeneous clinical, hormonal, and genetic phenotype of infertile KS patients. Our findings support the usefulness of cytogenetic studies in infertile patients showing small testicular size and azoospermia, regardless of the presence of other clinical or endocrine findings.     

Relationship between hormone profiles and the restoration of spermatogenesis in men treated with gossypol

Gossypol acetic acid was administered orally to 35 male volunteers at a dose of 20 mg once a day for 52-70 days in the loading phase and twice a week for 22 months in the maintenance phase. Sperm counts and the serum concentrations of LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone and oestradiol were monitored regularly during treatment and for a follow-up period of 12 months. At around 90 days after treatment, all treated participants approached or attained azoospermia and remained at this level throughout the maintenance phase. By the end of the follow-up phase, eight treated men were still azoospermic, while sperm counts in the other 27 men were restored to normal levels. The only hormone that changed significantly during and after the treatment was FSH. From the 6th month of the treatment to the end of the follow-up phase, serum concentrations of FSH in the eight participants that reached irreversible azoospermia were significantly higher than in the other 27 men or in controls. It is suggested that monitoring of FSH levels might be of diagnostic use for identifying those participants with irreversible azoospermia during gossypol treatment.     

The Relation of Optical Density of Seminal Plasma with Serum FSH and LH Levels in Azoospermic Patients

The aim was to investigate the relation between optical density of seminal plasma, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in azoospermic patients and to establish criteria depending on optical density measurements in order to estimate serum FSH and LH levels. Optical density of seminal plasma and serum FSH and LH levels were measured in 45 azoospermic patients. The semen samples with an optical density (OD) of more than 0.5 showed normal levels of FSH and LH, while those with less than 0.5 were observed to have high levels of FSH and LH. The optical density of seminal plasma can be used in the prediction of serum FSH and LH levels in azoospermic patients.     

醋酸棉酚对男子垂体－性腺轴功能的影响

报道２２例长期停服棉酚男子性激素的水平及其对ＬＨＲＨ和ｈＣＧ刺激的反应。２２例中，１１例生精功能未恢复者（无精子症组）的ＦＳＨ和ＬＨ基础值及其对ＬＨＲＨ刺激反应均显著高于正常对照组（１１例），而睾酮（Ｔ）基础值和Ｔ／ＬＨ比值及Ｔ对ｈＣＧ刺激反应显著低于正常对照组。生精功能恢复组（１１例）的ＦＳＨ基础值及其对ＬＨＲＨ刺激在应均显著高于正常对照组。但是，ＬＨ和Ｔ基础值及其对ＬＨＲＨ和ｈＣＧ刺激反应，二者差异不显著。这些结果说明，不适当的棉酚治疗所引起的永久无精子症者，全睾丸细胞受到严重损害，垂体－睾丸轴系功能调节发生紊乱；而适量的棉酚所引起的暂时无精子症，生精功能恢复以后，睾丸内分泌一般均正常     

Probability of sperm detection in nonobstructive azoospermic men undergoing testicular sperm extraction procedures unrelated to clinical parameters

The study was conducted to evaluate the significance of preoperative clinical parameters for detection of mature testicular sperm cells in nonobstructive azoospermic men. Sixty-five consecutive men with nonobstructive azoospermia underwent testicular sperm extraction procedures. Testicular samples were analyzed histologically with patterns classified as mature spermatogenesis (normal or partial), arrest of spermatogenesis, and Sertoli cell only. Testicular sperm cells were isolated for use in an IVF/ICSI program. Histologic patterns and detection rate of sperm cells were correlated to clinical characteristics. Mature sperm cells were found in all levels of serum FSH. The men were divided into 3 groups based on their clinical characteristics (serum FSH level and testicular size). The distribution of the different testicular histologic patterns, as well as detection rate of sperm cells, was similar in all groups. No correlation was found between serum levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, or testosterone and sperm presence. None of these parameters, nor the testicular size and consistency, can serve as predictive variables of the histological pattern or the presence of mature sperm cells in the testicular biopsies in cases of nonobstructive azoospermia. Until an effective predictive tool is available, a trial of sperm retrieval is recommended for all azoospermic men independent of their clinical characteristics.     

精液中性激素水平与生殖细胞凋亡的关系

目的:探讨人精液中性激素水平与生殖细胞凋亡的关系。方法:随机选择66例不育患者及30例生育男性,采用ELISA法进行卵泡刺激素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)、泌乳素(PRL)和睾酮(T)水平分析,并用脱氧核苷酸末端转移酶(TdT)介导的缺口末端标记(TUNEL)法检测生殖细胞的凋亡。结果:精液中FSH、LH、PRL和T水平30例生育者分别为(1.63±0.15)U/L、(2.18±0.21)U/L、(6.34±0.30)nmol/L、(1.85±0.11)nmol/L,生殖细胞凋亡率为(4.61±1.23)%,而66例不育者4种性激素水平分别为(1.25±0.18)U/L、(1.76±0.32)U/L、(5.86±0.31)nmol/L、(1.45±0.13)nmol/L,生殖细胞凋亡率为(18.36±2.04)%。两者相比各参数差异均有显著性(P<0.01)。不育组FSH、LH、PRL、T水平与生殖细胞的凋亡率呈负相关(r分别为-0.88、-0.93、-0.90、-0.98,P均<0.01)。凋亡的生殖细胞体积缩小,核染色质致密,凝聚在核周形成新月形,或核裂解形成凋亡小体。结论:精液性激素水平与生殖细胞的凋亡有着密切关系,低水平的性激素可能导致睾丸生殖细胞凋亡率增加。     

Hormone profile in infertile men

Plasma basal levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, and testosterone were evaluated in 263 men with fertility problems. Significant increases in FSH were detected in all groups of infertile men except those with infection, varicocele, infection and varicocele, and obstructive azoospermia. No differences in LH were detected in all groups, except those with chromosomal testicular abnormality and idiopathic seminiferous tubular failure where significant increases were revealed. No differences in prolactin were detected, while a decrease was found in testosterone in the group with chromosomal testicular abnormality. FSH seems to be a most valuable hormone index in the routine workup of male infertility, while prolactin does not offer substantial information. The combined LH and testosterone evaluation might be of diagnostic importance in selected cases.     

Sleep deprivation and adaptive hormonal responses of healthy men

To study the effects of sleep deprivation on the pituitary-testis axis physiology, we measured the circulating levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T), androstanedione (A), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), and cortisol (C) in eight healthy men as follows: phase I (control), phase II (24-h restless period), phase III (48-h restless period), and phase IV (24-h recovery period). All samples were taken at 8:00 a.m. There was a significant decrease of T, A, DHT, and E2 in phase II but no decrease in FHS, LH, PRL, or C. In phase III there was no further decrease in any androgen, although E2 decreased along with the increase of PRL. In phase IV E2 and PRL tended to return to baseline values, and the androgens were very similar to the controls. FHS, LH, and C showed no change under the effects of phase III. These data extend the adaptive androgenic response and the association of the role of E2 and PRL to restricted or disturbed sleep in men.