CAG-repeat variant in the polymerase γ gene and male infertility in the Chinese population： a meta-analysis

Several studies have reported a relationship between the length of the CAG-repeat in the polymerase γ (POLG) gene and male infertility. However, other studies have not reproduced this result. In our study, the POLG-CAG-repeat length was analyzed in 535 healthy individuals from six Chinese Han populations living in different provinces. The frequencies of 10-CAG alleles and genotypes were high (97.38 and 94.13%, respectively), with no significant difference among the six Chinese Han populations. Furthermore, we determined the distribution of the POLG-CAG-repeat in 150 infertile men and 126 fertile men. Our study suggested that the distributions of POLG-CAG-repeat alleles and genotypes were not significantly different between infertile (95.67 and 92.67%, respectively) and fertile men (97.22 and 94.44%, respectively). In a subsequent meta-analysis, combining our data with data from previous studies, a comparison of the CAG-repeat alleles in fertile versus infertile men showed no obvious risk for male infertility associated with any particular allele (pooled odds ratio (OR)=0.94; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60-1.48). The significance level was not attained with any of the following genetic models: homozygote comparison (not 10/not 10 versus 10/10: OR=1.34; 95% CI: 0.66-2.72), heterozygote comparison (10/not 10 versus 10/10: OR=1.04; 95% CI: 0.78-1.38), dominant model comparison (not 10/not 10+10/not 10 versus 10/10: OR=1.08; 95% CI: 0.79-1.47) and recessive genetic comparison (not 10/not 10 versus 10/not 10+10/10: OR=1.31; 95% CI: 0.68-2.55). In conclusion, there is no significant difference of the frequencies of POLG-CAG-repeat variants among six Chinese Han populations, and this polymorphism may not be associated with Chinese male infertility. On the basis of a meta-analysis, there is no obvious association between CAG-repeat variants of the POLG gene and male infertility.     

A rare complex chromosomal rearrangement in an oligospermic male： a case report and review of the Chinese literature

Dear Editor,
Complex chromosome rearrangements （CCRs） are structural aberrations involving at least three chromosomes with three or more chromosomal breakpoints. CCRs are very rare events in the human population. As reviewed by Pellestor et al.,1 less than 255 cases of CCRs involving three or more chromosomes have been reported. In China, approximately 136 cases of CCRs, including 40 males with reproductive problems, have been reported up to the time this review was compiled.     

昆明山海棠抗生育活性提取物TH_5对雄性大鼠性行为与血清性激素水平影响的观察

为了开发避孕新药,本文报告昆明山海棠抗生育活性提取物ＴＨ５ 对Ｗｉｓｔａｒ 成年雄性大鼠抗生育试验的性行为观察与血清性激素水平。灌服ＴＨ５（１１６ ｍｇ／ｋｇ·ｄ－ １ ×３０ ｄ） 的雄性大鼠与未交配过的成年雌性大鼠合笼后,其阴栓与阴道涂片精子检出率及服药雄鼠的血清Ｔ、ＬＨ、ＦＳＨ之ＲＩＡ 测定值,和对照大鼠组相比均无统计学差异（ Ｐ＞ ０．０５） ,表明ＴＨ５ 可能并不干扰受试雄鼠的性欲与血清性激素水平。     

Effects of treatment with Hypoxis hemerocallidea extract on sexual behaviour and reproductive parameters in male rats

Hypoxis hemerocallidea is used in traditional medicine in South Africa, for the treatment of male reproductive ailments and various chronic illnesses. Despite chronic use, its effects on male reproductive system are unknown. Male Wistar rats were treated orally daily for 28 (n = 18) and 56 days (n = 18). Treatment groups (n = 6/group) per treatment period were as follows: untreated control, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg 70% ethanolic extract of H. hemerocallidea. Sexual behaviour observations were performed on days 17 and 42 of the study. Sperm, biochemical and testicular histopathological studies were carried out. Arousal and libido and serum testosterone increased after 56 days of treatment. There was an increase in epididymal sperm count at both treatment doses, with the 300 mg/kg dose showing a higher sperm count (p < .05) compared to the 150 mg/kg treatment group. The higher 300 mg/kg dose also showed an increase (p < .05) in sperm motility after 56 days of treatment. Histology showed an increase in germinal layer thickness, consistent with the observed increase in sperm count. Testicular oxidative status improved after 56 days of treatment. Results suggest that chronic treatment with H. hemerocallidea may improve male sexual function and fertility parameters and may protect testes from oxidative damage.     

新生期甲醛染毒对成年后大鼠雄性性行为、睾丸重量以及血清睾酮水平的影响

目的观察新生期甲醛染毒对成年后大鼠雄性性行为、睾丸重量和血清睾酮水平的影响。方法选用健康清洁级新生7日龄雄性SD大鼠24只,随机分为高剂量甲醛（10mg/m3）、低剂量甲醛（0.1mg/m3）染毒组和对照组3组,甲醛染毒14d后常规饲养4周至成年。然后分别观察成年后雄性大鼠的扑捉潜伏期（CLP）和60min内扑捉雌鼠的次数（CT）,称量睾丸重量以及利用放免法测定大鼠血清睾酮（T）水平。结果低剂量甲醛染毒组大鼠CLP,CT,睾丸重量以及血清睾酮含量与对照组相比没有明显差异。但高剂量甲醛染毒组大鼠的扑捉潜伏期（CLP）与对照组相比明显升高（P〈0.05）;60min内扑捉雌鼠的次数（CT）、睾丸重量与对照组相比均明显下降（P〈0.05）;大鼠血清睾酮水平与对照组和低剂量甲醛染毒组相比轻度下降。结论新生期甲醛染毒对成年后雄性大鼠性行为以及睾丸有一定的损伤作用,并且损伤具有剂量依赖性。     

Aphrodisiac potentials of the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis （Schweinf. Ex Hiern） stem in male albino rats

Aim： To evaluate the phytochemical constituents and the agrestis （Rubiaceae） stem in male albino rats. Methods： aphrodisiac potential of the aqueous extract of Fadogia The aqueous stem extract of the plant was screened for phytochemical constituents. Male rats were orally dosed with 18 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, of the extract at 24 h intervals and their sexual behavior parameters and serum testosterone concentration were evaluated at days 1, 3 and 5. Results： Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids and saponins while anthraquinones and flavonoids are weakly present. All the doses resulted in significant increase in mount frequency, intromission frequency and significantly prolonged the ejaculatory latency （P 〈 0.05） and reduced mount and intromission latency （P 〈 0.05）. There was also a significant increase in serum testosterone concentrations in all the groups in a manner suggestive of dose-dependence （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： The aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis stem increased the blood testosterone concentrations and this may be the mechanism responsible for its aphrodisiac effects and various masculine behaviors. It may be used to modify impaired sexual functions in animals, especially those arising from hypotestosteronemia.     

Influence of dutasteride treatment on serum hormone levels and aging male symptoms in patients with benign prostatic enlargement

Objectives

To clarify the effects of dutasteride on serum hormone levels and aging male symptoms in patients with benign prostatic enlargement.

Methods

The present prospective study was carried out in 110 symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement patients treated with daily administration of 0.5 mg dutasteride. We analyzed serum hormonal levels and aging related symptoms using a validated Aging Male Symptom questionnaire at baseline and after 3 months of dutasteride treatment.

Results

The mean total testosterone, free testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels after dutasteride treatment were approximately 20% higher than those at baseline. The percentage increases in total and free testosterone levels were negatively correlated with these baseline levels. Baseline age, levels of total testosterone and free testosterone, and the changes in the rate of luteinizing hormone after dutasteride treatment tended to be correlated with an increase in the rate of total testosterone and free testosterone after dutasteride treatment. In a subgroup of 26 patients with moderate‐to‐severe aging male symptoms, poor morning erection and free testosterone levels <8.5 pg/mL, total aging male symptoms, and somatic symptoms scores significantly decreased after dutasteride treatment with an increase of total and free testosterone.

Conclusions

The increase of endogenous free testosterone and total testosterone by dutasteride might bring additional benefits of improvement of aging male‐related symptoms, especially in patients with lower free testosterone baseline levels and moderate‐to‐poor aging‐related symptoms.     

Effect of Bombax ceiba L. on spermatogenesis, sexual behaviour and erectile function in male rats

A number of herbal drugs are advocated in the traditional Ayurvedic literature for the improvement of overall sexual function. Young roots of Bombax ceiba Linn. (Fam. Bombacaceae) [correction added after online publication 1 August 2011: the family of Bombax ceiba was incorrectly mentioned as Orchidaceae. It has been corrected to Bombacaceae] also known as Semal Musli are used traditionally in Indian subcontinent as sexual stimulant. Its juice is considered nutritive and restorative tonic. Lyophilised aqueous extract of roots was studied for effect on sexual behaviour and spermatogenesis in male albino rats. Administration of 100 mg Kg(-1) body weight of aqueous extract influenced the five parameters evaluated in vivo. Sexual behaviour analysis in the presence of a female rate, serum testosterone level, anabolic effects, epididymal sperm count and seminal fructose level were the parameters evaluated. In B. ceiba extract-treated animals, a gain in body and sexual organ weights was observed. Mount, intromission and ejaculation frequencies were significantly improved (P < 0.05). An increase in serum testosterone levels was also observed, but it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Seminal fructose content and epididymal sperm count were significantly improved as well. Penile erection index was also higher compared to control group animals. Hesitation time was significantly reduced (P < 0.01), and copulatory rate was doubled in treated animals compared with control group animals.     

Dose‐ and time‐dependent effects of Garcinia kola seed extract on sexual behaviour and reproductive parameters in male Wistar rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a crude extract of Garcinia kola on male sexual function after subchronic and chronic treatment periods at different sublethal doses. Adult male Wistar rats were treated orally with 100, 200 and 400 mg kg^?1 of a 70% ethanolic extract of G. kola daily for 56 days. Sexual behaviour studies were performed on days 28 and 50. At termination on day 56, organ weights, sperm count, reproductive hormone levels and testicular histology were assessed. Subchronic and chronic treatment of normal male rats with G. kola extract resulted in overall increase in components of libido, erection and ejaculation in treated rats – with lower doses being more efficient than the higher dose. There was a slight reduction in some components of sexual behaviour with prolonged time of treatment. G. kola treatment at all doses resulted in increased testicular weights, increased sperm count with no change in motility and increased serum testosterone levels with no change in gonadotropin levels. Gross testicular histology was not affected by treatment. We conclude that G. kola seed extract possesses potent aphrodisiac activity in male albino rats with resultant increase in sperm count and testosterone levels.     

Gonadoprotective ability of Vincetoxicum arnottianum extract against bisphenol A-induced testicular toxicity and hormonal imbalance in male Sprague Dawley rats

Vincetoxicum arnottianum (Wight) of family Apocynaceae is a rich source of therapeutic alkaloids, phenolics and flavonoids. Study aims to evaluate the protective potential of methanol extract of Vincetoxicum arnottianum (VAM) on bisphenol A (BPA)-induced testicular toxicity in male Sprague Dawley rat. Quantitative analysis of VAM for total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC) and total alkaloid content (TAC) along with HPLC analysis for polyphenolics was carried out. BPA-induced testicular toxicity was determined through analysis of antioxidant enzymes, DNA damages and testicular histopathology along with reproductive hormones in serum of rat. VAM was constituted of TFC (382.50 ± 1.67 μg GAE/mg), TPC (291.17 ± 0.82 μg RE/mg), TAC (16.5 ± 0.5%), ferulic acid (2.2433 μg/mg) and vanillic acid (2.1249 μg/mg). VAM co-administration to BPA-treated rats attenuated the toxic effects of BPA and restored the body and testis weights. Altered level of luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum, and level of antioxidants (GSH, POD, CAT and SOD) and nitric oxide in testis tissues of BPA-induced toxicity were significantly restored by VAM. Histological and comet assay studies also sanctioned the protective potential of VAM in BPA-intoxicated rats. The presence of polyphenols and alkaloids might contribute towards the scavenging and ameliorative potential of VAM in testicular toxicity induced by BPA.     

Prolactin and Leydig cells: biphasic effects of prolactin on LH-, T3- and GH-induced testosterone/oestradiol secretion by Leydig cells in pubertal rats

The effect of rat prolactin (rPRL) on basal and LH-, GH- and T3-mediated testosterone and oestradiol secretion was studied in pubertal rat Leydig cells. Purified Leydig cells were cultured for 24 h at 37 degrees C in a medium containing 4% foetal calf serum (FCS). The medium was then replaced with fresh medium containing different concentrations of rPRL (5-400 ng/mL) for 48 h at 34 degrees C without FCS. rPRL increased testosterone secretion by Leydig cells at doses of 50-400 ng and maximum stimulation was observed at a dose of 200 ng. Oestradiol secretion was parallel to that of testosterone except at low doses (5-50 ng/mL). To assess the modulatory effect of rPRL on LH-, GH- and T3-induced Leydig cell testosterone and oestradiol secretion, minimum (50 ng) and maximum (200 ng) effective doses of rPRL were co-administered with LH (25/100 ng), GH (10/50 ng) and T3 (25/50 ng). Co-administration of rPRL (50/100 ng) with T3 (25/50 ng) decreased testosterone secretion. While co-administration of T3 (25 ng) decreased rPRL-induced oestradiol secretion, the latter was unaltered at a dose of 50 ng T3. A minimum effective dose of rPRL (50 ng) plus LH (25 ng) stimulated both testosterone and oestradiol secretion. While a maximum effective dose of rPRL (200 ng) did not alter LH (25 ng)-induced testosterone and oestradiol secretion, it inhibited testosterone secretion induced by 100 ng LH and increased oestradiol secretion. Both doses of rPRL (50, 200 ng) plus GH (10/50 ng) inhibited testosterone secretion when compared with testosterone secretion induced by either GH or PRL alone and stimulated oestradiol secretion. The present in vitro study indicates that rPRL stimulates both testosterone and oestradiol secretion by Leydig cells and that this effect can be modulated by LH, GH and T3.