Andrologia最新文献

The proteomic analysis of seminal plasma (SP) is a powerful tool for screening and identifying potential novel biomarkers of male infertility. However, the proteomic composition of seminal extracellular (SE) vesicles in varicocele (VC) is still poorly characterized. The main objective of the present study was to compare the proteome of SEs between infertile men with VC and fertile men without VC and to reveal differentially expressed SEs proteins (DESEPs) that can serve as potential novel biomarkers of VC-associated infertility. SEs were isolated and purified from SP, and SEs proteins were extracted and labeled with TMT and analyzed by high-resolution LC-MS/MS. A total of 1457 proteins were quantitatively identified in these SEs samples. Of these proteins, 175 DESEPs (76 upregulated and 99 downregulated) were identified. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the molecular functions and biological processes of these DESEPs were involved in metabolism, cell growth and/or maintenance, energy pathways, transport, and cell activation. Among these DESEPs of interest, PGK2 and LGALS3BP were validated by Western blotting. The expression level of the SEs LGALS3BP was also determined by ELISA. A significant positive association was observed between the concentration of SEs LGALS3BP and clinical characteristics. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that SEs LGALS3BP had better predictive efficacy than seminal LGALS3BP as a potential diagnostic biomarker of VC-associated infertility. Differences in the SEs protein profiles indicate that DESEPs may serve as potential biomarkers for VC-associated infertility.

Decellularization is an essential step in the generation of biological scaffolds in tissue engineering. Here, we report the effects of decellularization with Triton X-100 and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the histological and biochemical characteristics of the corpus cavernosum in a rabbit model. Briefly, we cut the corpus cavernosum into 10-mm-thick slices and treated the slices with 1% SDS or 1% Triton X-100. Following this, we conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses using the slices. We successfully obtained acellular corpus matrices (ACMs) using both decellularization methods. The ACMs exhibited suitable characteristics of cell adhesion and survival. SDS treatment was more effective for the removal of cellular components from the native tissues but altered both the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the ACMs. Triton X-100 was less effective for cellular extraction but helped maintain the biochemical and histological characteristics of the ACMs to a greater extent than SDS. Although additional research is needed, the results indicate that ACMs generated using Triton X-100 are superior three-dimensional scaffolds that can be used for constructing engineered corpus cavernosum.

Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most frequently reported male sexual dysfunction, characterized by a shortened intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), lack of control over ejaculation, and psychological distress. While PE involves multifactorial psychobiological factors, accumulating evidence emphasizes the pivotal role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in modulating the ejaculatory reflex. This review summarizes the principal serotonergic mechanisms regulating IELT and their clinical implications to provide a cohesive mechanistic framework. Receptor-specific pathways are briefly outlined in Section 4 and discussed in detail in Sections 5–7. We also highlight genetic polymorphisms (e.g., 5-HTTLPR, HTR1A, and HTR2C) that affect 5-HT transport and receptor function, potentially predisposing individuals to PE. The therapeutic use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is reviewed, with emphasis on comparative clinical efficacy and guideline-based recommendations. Despite their utility, SSRIs are associated with adverse effects such as anorgasmia, emotional blunting, and withdrawal symptoms. Emerging receptor-selective agents and next-generation 5-HT modulators are also discussed for their potential to improve efficacy and tolerability. This review provides an integrated neurobiological and clinical perspective on PE, supporting the development of targeted, individualized therapies that optimize outcomes while minimizing side effects.