To explore the functions of human ribonuclease 9(RNase 9),we constructed a mammalian fusion expression vector pcDNA-hRNase9,prepared recombinant human RNase 9-His fusion protein from HEK293T cells and determined its N...To explore the functions of human ribonuclease 9(RNase 9),we constructed a mammalian fusion expression vector pcDNA-hRNase9,prepared recombinant human RNase 9-His fusion protein from HEK293T cells and determined its N-terminal amino acid sequences.According to the determined mature protein,recombinant human RNase 9 was prepared in E.coli.Ribonucleolytic activity and antibacterial activity of recombinant human RNase 9 were detected,and the distribution of human RNase 9 on tissues and ejaculated spermatozoa and in vitro capacitated spermatozoa were analyzed via indirect immunofluorescence assay.The results showed that recombinant human RNase 9 did not exhibit detectable ribonucleolytic activity against yeast tRNA,but exhibited antibacterial activity,in a concentration/time dependent manner,against E.coli.Immunofluorescent analyses showed that the predicted human RNase 9 was present throughout the epididymis,but not present in other tissues examined,and human RNase 9 was also present on the entire head and neck regions of human ejaculated spermatozoa and in vitro capacitated spermatozoa.These results suggest that human RNase 9 may play roles in host defense of male reproductive tract.展开更多
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have demonstrated that human epididymis protein 4(HE4)is overexpressed in various malignant tissues including ovarian,endometrial,lung,breast,pancreatic,and gastric cancers.However,no study...BACKGROUND Numerous studies have demonstrated that human epididymis protein 4(HE4)is overexpressed in various malignant tissues including ovarian,endometrial,lung,breast,pancreatic,and gastric cancers.However,no study has examined the diagnostic impact of HE4 in patient with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)until now.AIM To analyze the value of four serum tumor markers for the diagnosis of ESCC,and examine the associations of serum levels of HE4 with ESCC patients’clinicopathological characteristics.METHODS The case group consisted of 80 ESCC patients,which were compared to a control group of 56 patients with benign esophageal disease.Serum levels of HE4,carcinoma embryonic antigen(CEA),alpha fetal protein,and carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)were detected by ELISA.The associations of serum HE4 levels with ESCC patients’clinicopathological characteristics such as gender,tumor location,and pathological stage were also examined after operation.RESULTS The result of ELISA showed that serum HE4 level was significantly higher in the patients with ESCC than in the controls,and the staining intensity was inversely correlated with the pathological T and N stages.Serum HE4 levels had a sensitivity of 66.2%and specificity of 78.6%when the cutoff value was set at 3.9 ng/mL.Moreover,the combined HE4 and CA19-9 increased the sensitivity to 83.33%,and interestingly,the combination of HE4 with CEA led to the most powerful sensitivity of 87.5%.Furthermore,A positive correlation was observed between HE4 serum levels and pathological T and N stages(P=0.0002 and 0.0017,respectively),but there was no correlation between HE4 serum levels and ESCC patient gender(P=0.4395)or tumor location(P=0.6777).CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that detection of serum HE4 levels may be useful in auxiliary diagnosis and evaluation of the progression of ESCC.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the testis and the cauda epididymis after treating both healthy and diabetic rats with rooibos(Aspalathus linearis),honeybush(Cyclopia intermedia),and sutherlandia(Lessertia frutescens),respectiv...Objective:To evaluate the testis and the cauda epididymis after treating both healthy and diabetic rats with rooibos(Aspalathus linearis),honeybush(Cyclopia intermedia),and sutherlandia(Lessertia frutescens),respectively.Methods:Ninety male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups(n=10 per group).Fifty rats were randomized to receive tap water,0.1 M citrate buffer,2.0%fermented rooibos,4.0%fermented honeybush,or 0.2%unfermented sutherlandia.Diabetes was induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ)at 45 mg/kg in 40 rats.The diabetic rats were randomized to receive tap water,2.0%fermented rooibos,4.0%fermented honeybush,or 0.2%unfermented sutherlandia.Rats were sacrificed after seven weeks of diabetic induction.Blood was collected for hormonal assay,while the testes and caudal epididymis were retrieved for histomorphological evaluations.Results:Diabetic rats treated with 2.0%fermented rooibos exhibited a significant increase in fasting plasma glucose(FPG)versus the vehicle group(P=0.002),and a 3.6%decrease compared to the diabetic control group(P>0.05).Diabetic rats treated with honeybush or sutherlandia showed 23.6%and 15.4%decrease in FPG when compared to the diabetic control group,respectively(both P>0.05).The diabetic control rats had a significant decrease in the percentage of histologically normal seminiferous tubules compared to the control group(P=0.049).There was 21.0%,14.0%,and 5.4%rise in the percentage of normal seminiferous tubules in diabetic rats receiving rooibos,honeybush or sutherlandia,respectively,compared to the diabetic control group.The infusion control groups(rooibos,honeybush and sutherlandia)showed normal seminiferous tubules,presence of spermatozoa in the epididymal lumen,and had normal overall architecture.Both testicular and epididymal morphology were altered in the diabetic control group,but these disruptions were mildly ameliorated by rooibos,honeybush,and sutherlandia.Conclusions:The detrimental effects of diabetes on the histomorphological architecture of the testis and epididymis are mildly ameliorated by the infusions(2.0%fermented rooibos,4.0%fermented honeybush,and 0.2%unfermented sutherlandia).展开更多
BACKGROUND Although gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide,cases of gastric cancer metastasis to the male reproductive system are rare.Here,we report a case involving testicular and epididymal g...BACKGROUND Although gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide,cases of gastric cancer metastasis to the male reproductive system are rare.Here,we report a case involving testicular and epididymal gastric cancer metastases.CASE SUMMARY A 75-year-old Chinese man complained of experiencing a palpable painful mass in the right scrotum for 6 mo.He had undergone distal gastrectomy with chemotherapy for pT3N3aMx poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma 9 mo before.Physical examination revealed a moderate right hydrocele and a painful mass in the right testis and epididymis.Serum tumor biomarkers were all normal except for elevated beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels.Computed tomography urography and B-ultrasound imaging revealed a moderate right hydrocele and a mixed solid-cystic mass in the right testicular and epididymal area.Thus,the patient underwent right radical orchiectomy.Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the tumor cells were positive for pancytokeratins and caudal related homeodomain transcription 2.Metastatic,poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma of the testis and epididymis was confirmed by pathology.He continued to undergo chemotherapy at the department of oncology of our hospital.Mesenteric lymph node metastases were found at the postoperative 1-mo follow-up.CONCLUSION Palpable,painful scrotal mass,history of gastric cancer,and imaging features may indicate testicular and epididymal metastatic gastric cancer.展开更多
The epididymal epithelia, by secretion, fluid reabsorption and transition, provide a favorable environment for sperm maturation. We observed, with histochemical method, the regional differences of four hydrolases and ...The epididymal epithelia, by secretion, fluid reabsorption and transition, provide a favorable environment for sperm maturation. We observed, with histochemical method, the regional differences of four hydrolases and five dehydrogenases in caput, corpus and cauda of rat epididymis展开更多
BACKGROUND Sperm granuloma is a rare disease in clinical andrology and its incidence is still unclear worldwide.According to the existing literature,sperm granuloma often occurs unilaterally.Clinical and ultrasound fe...BACKGROUND Sperm granuloma is a rare disease in clinical andrology and its incidence is still unclear worldwide.According to the existing literature,sperm granuloma often occurs unilaterally.Clinical and ultrasound features are similar to epididymal tuberculosis,chronic epididymitis and other diseases.Sperm granuloma is usually diagnosed based on postoperative histopathological and immunohistochemical examination.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old man was admitted to the hospital due to the presence of a left scrotal mass for 3 mo and aggravation of pain for 1 wk.The lesions at both sites were surgically resected.Postoperative pathological examination showed that the left spermatic cord mass and the right epididymal mass were consistent with sperm granuloma.The sperm granulomas then recurred 3 mo after surgery.There is little change in the local mass so far.CONCLUSION The case report is helpful for our understanding of this disease.In clinical diagnosis,it should be distinguished from epididymal tuberculosis,chronic epididymitis and other diseases.Color Doppler ultrasound can be used as a preferred examination method but postoperative pathological examination is still needed for diagnosis.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the protective mechanism of Xuduan Zhongzi prescription against epididymal oxidative damage in oligoasthenospermia model rats.Methods:Forty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model...Objective:To investigate the protective mechanism of Xuduan Zhongzi prescription against epididymal oxidative damage in oligoasthenospermia model rats.Methods:Forty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Xuduan Zhongzi prescription group(10g/kg)and L-carnitine group(0.1g/kg).Except blank group,all induced oligoasmospermia.The blank group and model group were given normal saline intragastric administration,the Xuduan Zhongzi prescription group was given Xuduan Zhongzi prescription solution intragastric administration,and the L-carnitine group was given L-carnitine intragastric administration.HE staining was used to observe the epididymis structure after 8 weeks.The concentration and activity rate of epididymis sperm were measured by sperm quality.MRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2,NQO1 andγ-GCs in epididymis were detected by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry.Results:①HE staining:in the blank group,the epididymis tubes were arranged tightly and regularly,the tissue structure was complete,the epithelial cells were arranged orderly,and the lumen sperm were numerous and evenly distributed.The epididymis of model group showed structural atrophy,loose arrangement,enlarged mesenchyme,increased cell debris and significantly reduced sperm cells.Compared with the model group,the lumen lesions of epididymis in Xuduan Zhongzi prescription group and L-carnitine group were significantly improved,and the amount of normal sperm in lumen was increased and the distribution was uniform.②Results of sperm quality comparison among each group:sperm density and sperm motility rate:compared with blank group,sperm density and sperm motility rate in other groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and sperm density and sperm motility rate in model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05);Compared with model group,the sperm density and motility rate in Xuduan Zhongzi prescription group and L-carnitine group were significantly increased(P<0.05).③RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry:Compared with the blank group,the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2,NQO1 andγ-GCs in epididymal rats in model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2,NQO1 andγ-GCs were significantly increased in L-carnitine group and Continua seed formula group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Xuduan Zhongzi prescription can reduce oxidative stress damage and improve sperm quality of oligoasthenospermia.The mechanism may related to promoting the activation of Nrf2-NQO1/γ-GCS pathway in epididymis of oligoasthenospermia rats,and up-regulate the expressions of Nrf2,NQO1 andγ-GCS proteins.展开更多
SD Twenty adult male rats were equally divided into a contro1 and an experimcntal group.GTW,10 mg/kg per day,was given to the experimental rats through gastric gavage 6 days a week for 8 weeks.To the control rats,the ...SD Twenty adult male rats were equally divided into a contro1 and an experimcntal group.GTW,10 mg/kg per day,was given to the experimental rats through gastric gavage 6 days a week for 8 weeks.To the control rats,the same amount of vehicle was given The animals were sacrificed when they became infertile and the fol1owing parameters of the testis and epididymis were examined:l)DNA(Feulgen′s method),2)RNA(Brachet′s tech-uique),3)LDH-X(Lojda′s method),4)ATPase(Wachstein′s procedure),5)Succinate dehydrc-genase(SDH,Pearson's method),6)Non-specific esterase(NSE,Lojda's technique)and 7)PAS reaction.Routine examination of the epididymal spermatozoa was also carried out.展开更多
Objective: To study the correlation of serum mesothelin and human epididymis secretory protein 4 contents with cellular infiltrative growth in patients with ovarian cancer. Methods:Patients with ovarian cancer who und...Objective: To study the correlation of serum mesothelin and human epididymis secretory protein 4 contents with cellular infiltrative growth in patients with ovarian cancer. Methods:Patients with ovarian cancer who underwent surgical resection in West Coast Medical Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between June 2013 and December 2016 were selected as the ovarian cancer group of the study, and healthy women who received physical examination in China University of Petroleum (East China) Hospital during the same period were selected as the control group of the study. Serum was collected from two groups of subjects to detect serum mesothelin and human epididymis secretory protein 4 contents, and the ovarian cancer lesions and adjacent lesions were collected from ovarian cancer group to detect the expression of proliferation, apoptosis and invasion genes. Results: Serum mesothelin and human epididymis secretory protein 4 contents of ovarian cancer group were significantly higher than those of control group;FUNDC1, LSD1, TNFAIP8, CXCR4, β-catenin, CD44, PELP1, Slug, ZEB1 and Snail mRNA expression in ovarian cancer lesions were significantly higher than those in adjacent lesions and positively correlated with serum mesothelin and human epididymis secretory protein 4 contents while MFN2, PTEN, FN14 and E-cadherin mRNA expression were significantly lower than those in adjacent lesions and negatively correlated with serum mesothelin and human epididymis secretory protein 4 contents. Conclusion: Serum mesothelin and human epididymis secretory protein 4 contents abnormally increase in patients with ovarian cancer and are associated with the infiltrative growth of cancer cells.展开更多
This study aims to characterize the cell atlas of the epididymis derived from a 46,XY disorders of sex development(DSD)patient with a novel heterozygous mutation of the nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1(NR...This study aims to characterize the cell atlas of the epididymis derived from a 46,XY disorders of sex development(DSD)patient with a novel heterozygous mutation of the nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1(NR5A1)gene.Next-generation sequencing found a heterozygous c.124C>G mutation in NR5A1 that resulted in a p.Q42E missense mutation in the conserved DNA-binding domain of NR5A1.The patient demonstrated feminization of external genitalia and Tanner stage 1 breast development.The surgical procedure revealed a morphologically normal epididymis and vas deferens but a dysplastic testis.Microfluidic-based single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)analysis found that the fibroblast cells were significantly increased(approximately 46.5%),whereas the number of main epididymal epithelial cells(approximately 9.2%),such as principal cells and basal cells,was dramatically decreased.Bioinformatics analysis of cell–cell communications and gene regulatory networks at the single-cell level inferred that epididymal epithelial cell loss and fibroblast occupation are associated with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT)process.The present study provides a cell atlas of the epididymis of a patient with 46,XY DSD and serves as an important resource for understanding the pathophysiology of DSD.展开更多
Background::Human epididymis secretory protein 4(HE4)is a new ovarian cancer biomarker.The factors influencing HE4 levels are not clear,and the reference data in China are limited.Here,we aim to evaluate the effects o...Background::Human epididymis secretory protein 4(HE4)is a new ovarian cancer biomarker.The factors influencing HE4 levels are not clear,and the reference data in China are limited.Here,we aim to evaluate the effects of menopause and age on HE4 levels and to provide a possible reference value for HE4 in healthy Chinese people.Methods::A total of 2493 healthy females aged 40 years or older were recruited from March 2013 to March 2017 with the cooperation of four medical institutions across Beijing,China.The serum levels of HE4 and cancer antigen 125(CA125)were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The Wilcoxon rank-sum test of variance and a stratified analysis were used to analyze the relationships among age,menopausal status,and levels of HE4 or CA125.Confidence intervals(5%-95%)were determined for reference ranges in different populations.Results::There was a statistically significant difference in median HE4 levels between the post-menopausal(n=2168)and premenopausal groups(n=325)(36.46 vs.24.04 pmol/L,Z=-14.41,P<0.001).HE4 increased significantly with age in the post-menopausal groups(H=408.18,P<0.001)but not in the pre-menopausal subjects(Z=-0.43,P=0.67).The upper 95th percentile of HE4 levels were 44.63 pmol/L for pre-menopausal women,78.17 pmol/L for post-menopausal women,and 73.3 pmol/L for all women.In the post-menopausal population,the HE4 reference ranges were 13.15 to 47.31,14.31 to 58.04,17.06 to 73.51,24.50 to 115.25,and 35.71 to 212.37 pmol/L for different age groups from forty divided by decade.The CA125 level was affected mainly by menopausal status and not age.Conclusions::Menopausal status and age were both important factors influencing the level of HE4,and age affected HE4 levels mainly in post-menopausal women.The HE4 level was higher in the post-menopausal population than in the pre-menopausal population and increased with age.展开更多
DICER1 is a key enzyme responsible for the maturation of microRNAs. Recent evidences suggested that DICER1 and microRNAs expressed in epididymis were involved in the control of male fertility. However, the exact mecha...DICER1 is a key enzyme responsible for the maturation of microRNAs. Recent evidences suggested that DICER1 and microRNAs expressed in epididymis were involved in the control of male fertility. However, the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here, we created a mouse line by targeted disruption of Dicerl gene in the principal cells of distal caput epididymis. Our data indicated that a set of β-defensin genes were downregulated by DICER1 rather than by microRNAs. Moreover, DICER1 was significantly enriched in the promoter of β-defensin gene and controlled transcription. Besides, the antibacterial ability of the adult epididymis significantly declined upon Dicerl deletion both in vitro and in vivo. And a higher incidence of reproductive defect was observed in middle-aged Dicerl^-|- males. These results suggest that DICER1 plays an important role in transcription of β-defensin genes, which are associated with the natural antibacterial properties in a microRNA-independent manner, and further impacts the male fertility.展开更多
Mice deficient in the transcription factor pleomorphic adenoma gene 1(PLAG1)exhibit reproductive issues that are characterized,in part,by decreased progressive sperm motility in the male.However,the underlying cause o...Mice deficient in the transcription factor pleomorphic adenoma gene 1(PLAG1)exhibit reproductive issues that are characterized,in part,by decreased progressive sperm motility in the male.However,the underlying cause of this impairment is unknown.As epididymal transit is critical for sperm maturation and motility,the morphology of the epididymis of Plag1-deficient mice was investigated and the spatial expression patterns of PLAG1 protein and mRNA were identified.Using X-gal staining and in situ hybridization,PLAG1 was shown to be widely expressed in both the epithelium and stroma in all regions of the mouse epididymis.Interestingly,the X-gal staining pattern was markedly different in the cauda,where it could be suggestive of PLAG1 secretion into the epididymal lumen.At all ages investigated,the morphology of epididymides from Plag1 knockout(KO)mice was aberrant;the tubule failed to elongate and coil,particularly in the corpus and cauda,and the cauda was malformed,lacking its usual bulbous shape.Moreover,the epididymides from Plag1 KO mice were significantly reduced in size relative to body weight.In 20%of Plag1-deficient mice,the left testicle and epididymis were lacking.The impaired morphogenesis of the epididymal tubule is likely to be a major contributing factor to the fertility problems observed in male Plag1-deficient mice.These results also establish PLAG1 as an important regulator of male reproduction,not only through its involvement in testicular sperm production,but also via its role in the development and function of the epididymis.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the intervention of Xuduan Zhongzi Formula on the epididymis structure of model of oligospermia mice.Methods:Ten of the 45 male mice were labeled as the normal group,and the remaining 35 mice ...Objective:To investigate the intervention of Xuduan Zhongzi Formula on the epididymis structure of model of oligospermia mice.Methods:Ten of the 45 male mice were labeled as the normal group,and the remaining 35 mice were injected with chloral hydrate for five consecutive days,and the randomly selected five mice were anesthetized with chloral hydrate.The left epididymis was removed,and a few sperm were found in the epididymis under the optical microscope,indicating successful construction of the model.They were randomly divided into three groups:the normal group,the L-carnitine group and the Xuduan group with 10 rats in each group.The the L-carnitine group and the Xuduan group were administrated with equivalent dose of human solvent,and the normal group and the model group were administrated with normal saline.After 8 weeks of intragastric administration,all experimental mice were killed,and the left epididymis was extracted for sperm detection,seminal plasma biochemical detection,HE staining,and electron microscopy.Results:In the model group,enlarged epididymal epithelial cells,vacuolar degeneration of primary and basal cells,and edema of interstitial cells and vascular dilation were found.Compared with the normal group,semen concentration,activity,SOD,A-glucosidase and fructose in the model group were significantly decreased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).After eight weeks of drug intragastric treatment,the semen concentration,activity,SOD,A-glucosidase and fructose in the Xuduan group were significantly increased compared with the model group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusion:Xuduan Zhongzi Formula can significantly improve the epididymal structure,the microenvironment of epididymal sperm maturation and the stability of epididymal epithelial structure of oligospermia model mice,creating conditions for sperm maturation in the epididymis.展开更多
We report a case of epididymo-testicular tuberculosis in a 31-year-old man in the surgical department “A” at the University Hospital Point G of Bamako. Epididymitis or orchi-epididymitis is an infection of the epidi...We report a case of epididymo-testicular tuberculosis in a 31-year-old man in the surgical department “A” at the University Hospital Point G of Bamako. Epididymitis or orchi-epididymitis is an infection of the epididymis and/or testis. It is the most frequent reason for consultation in urology and affects mainly young people between 30 and 50 years of age. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is very rarely incriminated (2% to 3% of cases). The main problem with genital tuberculosis lies in the diagnosis, which is often difficult and delayed in the absence of other suggestive locations, a notion of contagion or a history of tuberculosis. In the absence of germs in the urine or semen, the diagnosis of certainty is based on histological examination of biopsy fragments of the testicle or epididymis. Delayed treatment results in impaired fertility, such as oligospermia or azoospermia due to reversible or irreversible organic damage to the genitalia.展开更多
基金The authors would like to thank Mr Shou-Xin Zhang and other members of the Research Center,Yuhuangding Hospital(Yantai,China)for technical assistance.
文摘To explore the functions of human ribonuclease 9(RNase 9),we constructed a mammalian fusion expression vector pcDNA-hRNase9,prepared recombinant human RNase 9-His fusion protein from HEK293T cells and determined its N-terminal amino acid sequences.According to the determined mature protein,recombinant human RNase 9 was prepared in E.coli.Ribonucleolytic activity and antibacterial activity of recombinant human RNase 9 were detected,and the distribution of human RNase 9 on tissues and ejaculated spermatozoa and in vitro capacitated spermatozoa were analyzed via indirect immunofluorescence assay.The results showed that recombinant human RNase 9 did not exhibit detectable ribonucleolytic activity against yeast tRNA,but exhibited antibacterial activity,in a concentration/time dependent manner,against E.coli.Immunofluorescent analyses showed that the predicted human RNase 9 was present throughout the epididymis,but not present in other tissues examined,and human RNase 9 was also present on the entire head and neck regions of human ejaculated spermatozoa and in vitro capacitated spermatozoa.These results suggest that human RNase 9 may play roles in host defense of male reproductive tract.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81602023.
文摘BACKGROUND Numerous studies have demonstrated that human epididymis protein 4(HE4)is overexpressed in various malignant tissues including ovarian,endometrial,lung,breast,pancreatic,and gastric cancers.However,no study has examined the diagnostic impact of HE4 in patient with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)until now.AIM To analyze the value of four serum tumor markers for the diagnosis of ESCC,and examine the associations of serum levels of HE4 with ESCC patients’clinicopathological characteristics.METHODS The case group consisted of 80 ESCC patients,which were compared to a control group of 56 patients with benign esophageal disease.Serum levels of HE4,carcinoma embryonic antigen(CEA),alpha fetal protein,and carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)were detected by ELISA.The associations of serum HE4 levels with ESCC patients’clinicopathological characteristics such as gender,tumor location,and pathological stage were also examined after operation.RESULTS The result of ELISA showed that serum HE4 level was significantly higher in the patients with ESCC than in the controls,and the staining intensity was inversely correlated with the pathological T and N stages.Serum HE4 levels had a sensitivity of 66.2%and specificity of 78.6%when the cutoff value was set at 3.9 ng/mL.Moreover,the combined HE4 and CA19-9 increased the sensitivity to 83.33%,and interestingly,the combination of HE4 with CEA led to the most powerful sensitivity of 87.5%.Furthermore,A positive correlation was observed between HE4 serum levels and pathological T and N stages(P=0.0002 and 0.0017,respectively),but there was no correlation between HE4 serum levels and ESCC patient gender(P=0.4395)or tumor location(P=0.6777).CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that detection of serum HE4 levels may be useful in auxiliary diagnosis and evaluation of the progression of ESCC.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the testis and the cauda epididymis after treating both healthy and diabetic rats with rooibos(Aspalathus linearis),honeybush(Cyclopia intermedia),and sutherlandia(Lessertia frutescens),respectively.Methods:Ninety male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups(n=10 per group).Fifty rats were randomized to receive tap water,0.1 M citrate buffer,2.0%fermented rooibos,4.0%fermented honeybush,or 0.2%unfermented sutherlandia.Diabetes was induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ)at 45 mg/kg in 40 rats.The diabetic rats were randomized to receive tap water,2.0%fermented rooibos,4.0%fermented honeybush,or 0.2%unfermented sutherlandia.Rats were sacrificed after seven weeks of diabetic induction.Blood was collected for hormonal assay,while the testes and caudal epididymis were retrieved for histomorphological evaluations.Results:Diabetic rats treated with 2.0%fermented rooibos exhibited a significant increase in fasting plasma glucose(FPG)versus the vehicle group(P=0.002),and a 3.6%decrease compared to the diabetic control group(P>0.05).Diabetic rats treated with honeybush or sutherlandia showed 23.6%and 15.4%decrease in FPG when compared to the diabetic control group,respectively(both P>0.05).The diabetic control rats had a significant decrease in the percentage of histologically normal seminiferous tubules compared to the control group(P=0.049).There was 21.0%,14.0%,and 5.4%rise in the percentage of normal seminiferous tubules in diabetic rats receiving rooibos,honeybush or sutherlandia,respectively,compared to the diabetic control group.The infusion control groups(rooibos,honeybush and sutherlandia)showed normal seminiferous tubules,presence of spermatozoa in the epididymal lumen,and had normal overall architecture.Both testicular and epididymal morphology were altered in the diabetic control group,but these disruptions were mildly ameliorated by rooibos,honeybush,and sutherlandia.Conclusions:The detrimental effects of diabetes on the histomorphological architecture of the testis and epididymis are mildly ameliorated by the infusions(2.0%fermented rooibos,4.0%fermented honeybush,and 0.2%unfermented sutherlandia).
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,No.ZR2021MH354。
文摘BACKGROUND Although gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide,cases of gastric cancer metastasis to the male reproductive system are rare.Here,we report a case involving testicular and epididymal gastric cancer metastases.CASE SUMMARY A 75-year-old Chinese man complained of experiencing a palpable painful mass in the right scrotum for 6 mo.He had undergone distal gastrectomy with chemotherapy for pT3N3aMx poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma 9 mo before.Physical examination revealed a moderate right hydrocele and a painful mass in the right testis and epididymis.Serum tumor biomarkers were all normal except for elevated beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels.Computed tomography urography and B-ultrasound imaging revealed a moderate right hydrocele and a mixed solid-cystic mass in the right testicular and epididymal area.Thus,the patient underwent right radical orchiectomy.Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the tumor cells were positive for pancytokeratins and caudal related homeodomain transcription 2.Metastatic,poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma of the testis and epididymis was confirmed by pathology.He continued to undergo chemotherapy at the department of oncology of our hospital.Mesenteric lymph node metastases were found at the postoperative 1-mo follow-up.CONCLUSION Palpable,painful scrotal mass,history of gastric cancer,and imaging features may indicate testicular and epididymal metastatic gastric cancer.
文摘The epididymal epithelia, by secretion, fluid reabsorption and transition, provide a favorable environment for sperm maturation. We observed, with histochemical method, the regional differences of four hydrolases and five dehydrogenases in caput, corpus and cauda of rat epididymis
文摘BACKGROUND Sperm granuloma is a rare disease in clinical andrology and its incidence is still unclear worldwide.According to the existing literature,sperm granuloma often occurs unilaterally.Clinical and ultrasound features are similar to epididymal tuberculosis,chronic epididymitis and other diseases.Sperm granuloma is usually diagnosed based on postoperative histopathological and immunohistochemical examination.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old man was admitted to the hospital due to the presence of a left scrotal mass for 3 mo and aggravation of pain for 1 wk.The lesions at both sites were surgically resected.Postoperative pathological examination showed that the left spermatic cord mass and the right epididymal mass were consistent with sperm granuloma.The sperm granulomas then recurred 3 mo after surgery.There is little change in the local mass so far.CONCLUSION The case report is helpful for our understanding of this disease.In clinical diagnosis,it should be distinguished from epididymal tuberculosis,chronic epididymitis and other diseases.Color Doppler ultrasound can be used as a preferred examination method but postoperative pathological examination is still needed for diagnosis.
基金The central government guides local science and technology development projects(No.Guike ZY20198022)Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Graduate Education Innovation Program(No.YCSZ2020013,YCSY2020051,YCXJ2021067)。
文摘Objective:To investigate the protective mechanism of Xuduan Zhongzi prescription against epididymal oxidative damage in oligoasthenospermia model rats.Methods:Forty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Xuduan Zhongzi prescription group(10g/kg)and L-carnitine group(0.1g/kg).Except blank group,all induced oligoasmospermia.The blank group and model group were given normal saline intragastric administration,the Xuduan Zhongzi prescription group was given Xuduan Zhongzi prescription solution intragastric administration,and the L-carnitine group was given L-carnitine intragastric administration.HE staining was used to observe the epididymis structure after 8 weeks.The concentration and activity rate of epididymis sperm were measured by sperm quality.MRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2,NQO1 andγ-GCs in epididymis were detected by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry.Results:①HE staining:in the blank group,the epididymis tubes were arranged tightly and regularly,the tissue structure was complete,the epithelial cells were arranged orderly,and the lumen sperm were numerous and evenly distributed.The epididymis of model group showed structural atrophy,loose arrangement,enlarged mesenchyme,increased cell debris and significantly reduced sperm cells.Compared with the model group,the lumen lesions of epididymis in Xuduan Zhongzi prescription group and L-carnitine group were significantly improved,and the amount of normal sperm in lumen was increased and the distribution was uniform.②Results of sperm quality comparison among each group:sperm density and sperm motility rate:compared with blank group,sperm density and sperm motility rate in other groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and sperm density and sperm motility rate in model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05);Compared with model group,the sperm density and motility rate in Xuduan Zhongzi prescription group and L-carnitine group were significantly increased(P<0.05).③RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry:Compared with the blank group,the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2,NQO1 andγ-GCs in epididymal rats in model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2,NQO1 andγ-GCs were significantly increased in L-carnitine group and Continua seed formula group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Xuduan Zhongzi prescription can reduce oxidative stress damage and improve sperm quality of oligoasthenospermia.The mechanism may related to promoting the activation of Nrf2-NQO1/γ-GCS pathway in epididymis of oligoasthenospermia rats,and up-regulate the expressions of Nrf2,NQO1 andγ-GCS proteins.
文摘SD Twenty adult male rats were equally divided into a contro1 and an experimcntal group.GTW,10 mg/kg per day,was given to the experimental rats through gastric gavage 6 days a week for 8 weeks.To the control rats,the same amount of vehicle was given The animals were sacrificed when they became infertile and the fol1owing parameters of the testis and epididymis were examined:l)DNA(Feulgen′s method),2)RNA(Brachet′s tech-uique),3)LDH-X(Lojda′s method),4)ATPase(Wachstein′s procedure),5)Succinate dehydrc-genase(SDH,Pearson's method),6)Non-specific esterase(NSE,Lojda's technique)and 7)PAS reaction.Routine examination of the epididymal spermatozoa was also carried out.
文摘Objective: To study the correlation of serum mesothelin and human epididymis secretory protein 4 contents with cellular infiltrative growth in patients with ovarian cancer. Methods:Patients with ovarian cancer who underwent surgical resection in West Coast Medical Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between June 2013 and December 2016 were selected as the ovarian cancer group of the study, and healthy women who received physical examination in China University of Petroleum (East China) Hospital during the same period were selected as the control group of the study. Serum was collected from two groups of subjects to detect serum mesothelin and human epididymis secretory protein 4 contents, and the ovarian cancer lesions and adjacent lesions were collected from ovarian cancer group to detect the expression of proliferation, apoptosis and invasion genes. Results: Serum mesothelin and human epididymis secretory protein 4 contents of ovarian cancer group were significantly higher than those of control group;FUNDC1, LSD1, TNFAIP8, CXCR4, β-catenin, CD44, PELP1, Slug, ZEB1 and Snail mRNA expression in ovarian cancer lesions were significantly higher than those in adjacent lesions and positively correlated with serum mesothelin and human epididymis secretory protein 4 contents while MFN2, PTEN, FN14 and E-cadherin mRNA expression were significantly lower than those in adjacent lesions and negatively correlated with serum mesothelin and human epididymis secretory protein 4 contents. Conclusion: Serum mesothelin and human epididymis secretory protein 4 contents abnormally increase in patients with ovarian cancer and are associated with the infiltrative growth of cancer cells.
基金supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No.2018YFC1003602 to HC and No.2018YFC1003504 to HJ)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81871202 to HC and No.31900484 to GCX)+2 种基金Lo Kwee Seong Start Up Fund to KLE,Shanghai Sailing Program (No.20YF1422900 to YWZ)the Natural Science Foundation of Nantong (No.JC2021081 to JWS)Startup R&D funding from Nantong University (No.135419631032 to JWS and TDYX2021021 to JWS).
文摘This study aims to characterize the cell atlas of the epididymis derived from a 46,XY disorders of sex development(DSD)patient with a novel heterozygous mutation of the nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1(NR5A1)gene.Next-generation sequencing found a heterozygous c.124C>G mutation in NR5A1 that resulted in a p.Q42E missense mutation in the conserved DNA-binding domain of NR5A1.The patient demonstrated feminization of external genitalia and Tanner stage 1 breast development.The surgical procedure revealed a morphologically normal epididymis and vas deferens but a dysplastic testis.Microfluidic-based single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)analysis found that the fibroblast cells were significantly increased(approximately 46.5%),whereas the number of main epididymal epithelial cells(approximately 9.2%),such as principal cells and basal cells,was dramatically decreased.Bioinformatics analysis of cell–cell communications and gene regulatory networks at the single-cell level inferred that epididymal epithelial cell loss and fibroblast occupation are associated with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT)process.The present study provides a cell atlas of the epididymis of a patient with 46,XY DSD and serves as an important resource for understanding the pathophysiology of DSD.
基金This research was supported by grants from the Capital Foundation of Medical Developments of China(CFMD2011402202)National Key Technology R&D Program(2015BAI13B06)research funding from Fujirebio Diagnostics,Inc.
文摘Background::Human epididymis secretory protein 4(HE4)is a new ovarian cancer biomarker.The factors influencing HE4 levels are not clear,and the reference data in China are limited.Here,we aim to evaluate the effects of menopause and age on HE4 levels and to provide a possible reference value for HE4 in healthy Chinese people.Methods::A total of 2493 healthy females aged 40 years or older were recruited from March 2013 to March 2017 with the cooperation of four medical institutions across Beijing,China.The serum levels of HE4 and cancer antigen 125(CA125)were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The Wilcoxon rank-sum test of variance and a stratified analysis were used to analyze the relationships among age,menopausal status,and levels of HE4 or CA125.Confidence intervals(5%-95%)were determined for reference ranges in different populations.Results::There was a statistically significant difference in median HE4 levels between the post-menopausal(n=2168)and premenopausal groups(n=325)(36.46 vs.24.04 pmol/L,Z=-14.41,P<0.001).HE4 increased significantly with age in the post-menopausal groups(H=408.18,P<0.001)but not in the pre-menopausal subjects(Z=-0.43,P=0.67).The upper 95th percentile of HE4 levels were 44.63 pmol/L for pre-menopausal women,78.17 pmol/L for post-menopausal women,and 73.3 pmol/L for all women.In the post-menopausal population,the HE4 reference ranges were 13.15 to 47.31,14.31 to 58.04,17.06 to 73.51,24.50 to 115.25,and 35.71 to 212.37 pmol/L for different age groups from forty divided by decade.The CA125 level was affected mainly by menopausal status and not age.Conclusions::Menopausal status and age were both important factors influencing the level of HE4,and age affected HE4 levels mainly in post-menopausal women.The HE4 level was higher in the post-menopausal population than in the pre-menopausal population and increased with age.
基金the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program2014CB943103)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31471104,31671203,and 31571192).
文摘DICER1 is a key enzyme responsible for the maturation of microRNAs. Recent evidences suggested that DICER1 and microRNAs expressed in epididymis were involved in the control of male fertility. However, the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here, we created a mouse line by targeted disruption of Dicerl gene in the principal cells of distal caput epididymis. Our data indicated that a set of β-defensin genes were downregulated by DICER1 rather than by microRNAs. Moreover, DICER1 was significantly enriched in the promoter of β-defensin gene and controlled transcription. Besides, the antibacterial ability of the adult epididymis significantly declined upon Dicerl deletion both in vitro and in vivo. And a higher incidence of reproductive defect was observed in middle-aged Dicerl^-|- males. These results suggest that DICER1 plays an important role in transcription of β-defensin genes, which are associated with the natural antibacterial properties in a microRNA-independent manner, and further impacts the male fertility.
文摘Mice deficient in the transcription factor pleomorphic adenoma gene 1(PLAG1)exhibit reproductive issues that are characterized,in part,by decreased progressive sperm motility in the male.However,the underlying cause of this impairment is unknown.As epididymal transit is critical for sperm maturation and motility,the morphology of the epididymis of Plag1-deficient mice was investigated and the spatial expression patterns of PLAG1 protein and mRNA were identified.Using X-gal staining and in situ hybridization,PLAG1 was shown to be widely expressed in both the epithelium and stroma in all regions of the mouse epididymis.Interestingly,the X-gal staining pattern was markedly different in the cauda,where it could be suggestive of PLAG1 secretion into the epididymal lumen.At all ages investigated,the morphology of epididymides from Plag1 knockout(KO)mice was aberrant;the tubule failed to elongate and coil,particularly in the corpus and cauda,and the cauda was malformed,lacking its usual bulbous shape.Moreover,the epididymides from Plag1 KO mice were significantly reduced in size relative to body weight.In 20%of Plag1-deficient mice,the left testicle and epididymis were lacking.The impaired morphogenesis of the epididymal tubule is likely to be a major contributing factor to the fertility problems observed in male Plag1-deficient mice.These results also establish PLAG1 as an important regulator of male reproduction,not only through its involvement in testicular sperm production,but also via its role in the development and function of the epididymis.
基金Central Government Funds for Guiding Local Science and Technology Development(No.ZY20198022)Graduate Education Innovation Program of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.YCXJ2021067)。
文摘Objective:To investigate the intervention of Xuduan Zhongzi Formula on the epididymis structure of model of oligospermia mice.Methods:Ten of the 45 male mice were labeled as the normal group,and the remaining 35 mice were injected with chloral hydrate for five consecutive days,and the randomly selected five mice were anesthetized with chloral hydrate.The left epididymis was removed,and a few sperm were found in the epididymis under the optical microscope,indicating successful construction of the model.They were randomly divided into three groups:the normal group,the L-carnitine group and the Xuduan group with 10 rats in each group.The the L-carnitine group and the Xuduan group were administrated with equivalent dose of human solvent,and the normal group and the model group were administrated with normal saline.After 8 weeks of intragastric administration,all experimental mice were killed,and the left epididymis was extracted for sperm detection,seminal plasma biochemical detection,HE staining,and electron microscopy.Results:In the model group,enlarged epididymal epithelial cells,vacuolar degeneration of primary and basal cells,and edema of interstitial cells and vascular dilation were found.Compared with the normal group,semen concentration,activity,SOD,A-glucosidase and fructose in the model group were significantly decreased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).After eight weeks of drug intragastric treatment,the semen concentration,activity,SOD,A-glucosidase and fructose in the Xuduan group were significantly increased compared with the model group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusion:Xuduan Zhongzi Formula can significantly improve the epididymal structure,the microenvironment of epididymal sperm maturation and the stability of epididymal epithelial structure of oligospermia model mice,creating conditions for sperm maturation in the epididymis.
文摘We report a case of epididymo-testicular tuberculosis in a 31-year-old man in the surgical department “A” at the University Hospital Point G of Bamako. Epididymitis or orchi-epididymitis is an infection of the epididymis and/or testis. It is the most frequent reason for consultation in urology and affects mainly young people between 30 and 50 years of age. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is very rarely incriminated (2% to 3% of cases). The main problem with genital tuberculosis lies in the diagnosis, which is often difficult and delayed in the absence of other suggestive locations, a notion of contagion or a history of tuberculosis. In the absence of germs in the urine or semen, the diagnosis of certainty is based on histological examination of biopsy fragments of the testicle or epididymis. Delayed treatment results in impaired fertility, such as oligospermia or azoospermia due to reversible or irreversible organic damage to the genitalia.
