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Wald M. Orchidopexy for Ascending Testicles in Adulthood After Remote Hernia Repair: A Report of Two Cases. Cureus 2023; 15:e39885. [PMID: 37404422 PMCID: PMC10315181 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular ascent to the inguinal region after hernia repair has been previously reported as a rare complication of this surgery in pediatric patients. This article presents two cases of adult patients with ascending testicles after inguinal hernia repair that was performed in childhood. Both men underwent orchidopexy through a combined inguinal and scrotal approach, the latter for the creation of a sub-dartos pouch. In both cases, this intervention was completed successfully without complication and resulted in a satisfactory post-operative position of the testicles in the scrotal sac. This surgical approach appears to be a safe management option for adult men with ascending testicles after inguinal hernia repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Wald
- Urology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA
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2
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McKey J, Anbarci DN, Bunce C, Ontiveros AE, Behringer RR, Capel B. Integration of mouse ovary morphogenesis with developmental dynamics of the oviduct, ovarian ligaments, and rete ovarii. eLife 2022; 11:e81088. [PMID: 36165446 PMCID: PMC9621696 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphogenetic events during the development of the fetal ovary are crucial to the establishment of female fertility. However, the effects of structural rearrangements of the ovary and surrounding reproductive tissues on ovary morphogenesis remain largely uncharacterized. Using tissue clearing and lightsheet microscopy, we found that ovary folding correlated with regionalization into cortex and medulla. Relocation of the oviduct to the ventral aspect of the ovary led to ovary encapsulation, and mutual attachment of the ovary and oviduct to the cranial suspensory ligament likely triggered ovary folding. During this process, the rete ovarii (RO) elaborated into a convoluted tubular structure extending from the ovary into the ovarian capsule. Using genetic mouse models in which the oviduct and RO are perturbed, we found the oviduct is required for ovary encapsulation. This study reveals novel relationships among the ovary and surrounding tissues and paves the way for functional investigation of the relationship between architecture and differentiation of the mammalian ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer McKey
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Dilara N Anbarci
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Corey Bunce
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Alejandra E Ontiveros
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonUnited States
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonUnited States
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
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3
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Association of PFKM gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to cryptorchidism in a Chinese Han population. Pediatr Surg Int 2022; 38:1311-1316. [PMID: 35838787 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-022-05167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism is one of the most common congenital anomalies in newborn boys. There are various risk factors that have been verified to have relationship with cryptorchidism, including exogenous and genetic, but the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism remains unclear. PFKM gene is a critical gene encodes for a regulatory enzyme, which limits the rate in the pathway of glycolysis. We assumed that cryptorchidism risk may associated with PFKM gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Thus we selected three tag SNPs in the PFKM gene and aimed to investigate the possible association between PFKM gene polymorphisms and cryptorchidism risk. METHODS The SNPs were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. 140 cases and 227 controls were enrolled in this study, including 105 unilateral cryptorchidism and 35 bilateral cases. The testis position was decided by the higher one in bilateral cases. RESULTS The frequency of allele G of SNP rs2228500 is increased in cryptorchidism patients compared to that in controls (p < 0.05). Genotypic frequencies of rs2228500 are associated with the susceptibility of cryptorchidism in the codominant model (p < 0.05). And compared with G/G genotype in the dominant model, notable decreased frequencies of A carriers (A/G-A/A genotypes) were observed in cryptorchidism patients (p = 0.0069, OR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.17-2.75). CONCLUSIONS This research first revealed that PFKM gene polymorphisms were associated with cryptorchidism in a Chinese Han population. We have offered primary evidence that the G allele and the G/G genotype of rs2228500 SNP in the PFKM gene are more frequent in patients with cryptorchidism than healthy controls.
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4
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Fertility of Cryptorchid Testis-An Unsolved Mistery. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121894. [PMID: 34946843 PMCID: PMC8700981 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism (undescended testis) is one of the most common diagnoses in the pediatric urologist office. Even in the modern era, there still are a lot of debates regarding the optimal time for surgery related to the expected results in relation with the testicular function, including fertility. The review below intends to clarify issues regarding the impact of cryptorchidism on testicular histology and function, semen analysis, the relation between hormonal and surgical treatment, future fertility, and paternity rate.
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5
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Chai S, Huang X, Wu T, Xu S, Ren W, Yang G. Comparative genomics reveals molecular mechanisms underlying health and reproduction in cryptorchid mammals. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:763. [PMID: 34702182 PMCID: PMC8547080 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08084-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammals have wide variations in testicular position, with scrotal testes in some species and ascrotal testes in others. Although cryptorchidism is hazardous to human health, some mammalian taxa are natural cryptorchids. However, the evolution of testicular position and the molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of health, including reproductive health, in ascrotal mammals are not clear. RESULTS In the present study, comparative genomics and evolutionary analyses revealed that genes associated with the extracellular matrix and muscle, contributing to the development of the gubernaculum, were involved in the evolution of testicular position in mammals. Moreover, genes related to testicular position were significantly associated with spermatogenesis and sperm fertility. These genes showed rapid evolution and the signature of positive selection, with specific substitutions in ascrotal mammals. Genes associated with testicular position were significantly enriched in functions and pathways related to cancer, DNA repair, DNA replication, and autophagy. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that alterations in gubernaculum development contributed to the evolution of testicular position in mammals and provided the first support for two hypotheses for variation in testicular position in mammals, the "cooling hypothesis", which proposes that the scrotum provides a cool environment for acutely heat-sensitive sperm and the "training hypothesis", which proposes that the scrotum develops the sperm by exposing them to an exterior environment. Further, we identified cancer resistance and DNA repair as potential protective mechanisms in natural cryptorchids. These findings provide general insights into cryptorchidism and have implications for health and infertility both in humans and domestic mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Chai
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianzhen Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shixia Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenhua Ren
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Guang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
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6
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Development of a putative adverse outcome pathway network for male rat reproductive tract abnormalities with specific considerations for the androgen sensitive window of development. Curr Res Toxicol 2021; 2:254-271. [PMID: 34401750 PMCID: PMC8350458 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Structured approaches like the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework offer great potential for depicting complex toxicological processes in a manner that can facilitate informed integration of mechanistic information in regulatory decisions. While this concept provides a structure for organizing evidence and facilitates consistency in evidence integration; the process, inputs, and manner in which AOPs and AOP networks are developed is still evolving. Following the OECD guiding principles of AOP development, we propose three AOPs for male reproductive tract abnormalities and derive a putative AOP network. The AOPs were developed using a fundamental understanding of the developmental biology of the organs of interest, paying close attention to the gestational timing of key events (KEs) to very specifically inform the domain of life stage applicability for the key event relationships (KERs). Chemical stressor data primarily from studies on low molecular weight phthalates (LMWPs) served to 'bound' the pathways of focus in this dynamic period of development and were integrated with the developmental biology data through an iterative process to define KEs and conclude on the extent of evidence in support of the KERs. The AOPs developed describe the linkage between 1) a decrease in Insl3 gene expression and cryptorchidism, 2) the sustained expression of Coup-tfII and hypospadias and 3) the sustained expression of Coup-tfII and altered Wolffian duct development/ epididymal agenesis. A putative AOP network linking AOP2 and AOP3 through decreased steroidogenic biosynthetic protein expression and converging of all AOPS at the population level impaired fertility adverse outcome is proposed. The network depiction specifies and displays the KEs aligned with their occurrence in gestational time. The pathways and network described herein are intended to catalyze collaborative initiatives for expansion into a larger network to enable effective data collection and inform alternative approaches for identifying stressors impacting this sensitive period of male reproductive tract development.
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Key Words
- AGD, Anogenital distance
- AO, Adverse Outcome
- AOP, Adverse Outcome Pathway
- Adverse outcome pathway
- Adverse outcome pathway network
- DBP, Dibutyl phthalate
- DEHP, Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
- DHT, 5α-dihydrotestosterone
- DPP, Dipentyl phthalate
- E, Embryonic day (ED1=GD1 gestational day 1)
- GD, Gestational day (GD1=ED1 embryonic day 1)
- KE, Key event
- KER, Key event relationship
- LMWP, low molecular weight phthalate straight chain length of the esterified alcohols between 3 and 6 carbon atoms
- MPW, male programming window
- Male programming window
- Phthalate
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7
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The G-Protein-Coupled Membrane Estrogen Receptor Is Present in Horse Cryptorchid Testes and Mediates Downstream Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137131. [PMID: 34281183 PMCID: PMC8269005 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism in horses is a commonly occurring malformation. The molecular basis of this pathology is not fully known. In addition, the origins of high intratesticular estrogen levels in horses remain obscure. In order to investigate the role of the G-protein-coupled membrane estrogen receptor (GPER) and establish histological and biochemical cryptorchid testis status, healthy and cryptorchid horse testes were subjected to scanning electron microscopy analysis, histochemical staining for total protein (with naphthol blue black; NBB), acid content (with toluidine blue O; TBO), and polysaccharide content (with periodic acid-Schiff; PAS). The expression of GPER was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. GPER-mediated intracellular cAMP and calcium (Ca2+) signaling were measured immunoenzymatically or colorimetrically. Our data revealed changes in the distribution of polysaccharide content but not the protein and acid content in the cryptorchid testis. Polysaccharides seemed to be partially translocated from the interstitial compartment to the seminiferous tubule compartment. Moreover, the markedly decreased expression of GPER and GPER downstream molecules, cAMP and Ca2+, suggests their potential role in testis pathology. Increased estrogen levels in cryptorchid conditions may be linked to disturbed GPER signaling. We postulate that GPER is a prominent key player in testis development and function and may be used as a new biomarker of horse testis in health and disease.
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8
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Wang L, Yang W, Li B, Yuan S, Wang F. Response to stress in biological disorders: Implications of stress granule assembly and function. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13086. [PMID: 34170048 PMCID: PMC8349659 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is indispensable for cells to adapt and respond to environmental stresses, in order for organisms to survive. Stress granules (SGs) are condensed membrane‐less organelles dynamically formed in the cytoplasm of eukaryotes cells to cope with diverse intracellular or extracellular stress factors, with features of liquid‐liquid phase separation. They are composed of multiple constituents, including translationally stalled mRNAs, translation initiation factors, RNA‐binding proteins and also non‐RNA‐binding proteins. SG formation is triggered by stress stimuli, viral infection and signal transduction, while aberrant assembly of SGs may contribute to tissue degenerative diseases. Recently, a growing body of evidence has emerged on SG response mechanisms for cells facing high temperatures, oxidative stress and osmotic stress. In this review, we aim to summarize factors affecting SGs assembly, present the impact of SGs on germ cell development and other biological processes. We particularly emphasize the significance of recently reported RNA modifications in SG stress responses. In parallel, we also review all current perspectives on the roles of SGs in male germ cells, with a particular focus on the dynamics of SG assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjuan Wang
- Institute Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Weina Yang
- Institute Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Bin Li
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Fengli Wang
- Institute Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
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9
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Chai S, Tian R, Bi J, Xu S, Yang G, Ren W. Rapid evolution and molecular convergence in cryptorchidism-related genes associated with inherently undescended testes in mammals. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:22. [PMID: 33568072 PMCID: PMC7877101 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01753-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mammalian testis is an important male exocrine gland and spermatozoa-producing organ that usually lies in extra-abdominal scrotums to provide a cooler environment for spermatogenesis and sperm storage. Testicles sometimes fail to descend, leading to cryptorchidism. However, certain groups of mammals possess inherently ascrotal testes (i.e. testes that do not descend completely or at all) that have the same physiological functions as completely descended scrotal testes. Although several anatomical and hormonal factors involved in testicular descent have been studied, there is still a paucity of comprehensive research on the genetic mechanisms underlying the evolution of testicular descent in mammals and how mammals with ascrotal testes maintain their reproductive health. RESULTS We performed integrative phenotypic and comparative genomic analyses of 380 cryptorchidism-related genes and found that the mammalian ascrotal testes trait is derived from an ancestral scrotal state. Rapidly evolving genes in ascrotal mammals were enriched in the Hedgehog pathway-which regulates Leydig cell differentiation and testosterone secretion-and muscle development. Moreover, some cryptorchidism-related genes in ascrotal mammals had undergone positive selection and contained specific mutations and indels. Genes harboring convergent/parallel amino acid substitutions between ascrotal mammals were enriched in GTPase functions. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the scrotal testis is an ancestral state in mammals, and the ascrotal phenotype was derived multiple times in independent lineages. In addition, the adaptive evolution of genes involved in testicular descent and the development of the gubernaculum contributed to the evolution of ascrotal testes. Accurate DNA replication, the proper segregation of genetic material, and appropriate autophagy are the potential mechanisms for maintaining physiological normality during spermatogenesis in ascrotal mammals. Furthermore, the molecular convergence of GTPases is probably a mechanism in the ascrotal testes of different mammals. This study provides novel insights into the evolution of the testis and scrotum in mammals and contributes to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Chai
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ran Tian
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juanjuan Bi
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shixia Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wenhua Ren
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
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10
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Wang X, Chen Z, Qiu S, Cao D, Jin K, Li J, Chen B, Huang Y, Bao Y, Liu L, Wei Q. Evaluating the Effect of Cryptorchidism on Clinical Stage of Testicular Seminoma. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:4883-4888. [PMID: 32606976 PMCID: PMC7320749 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s236618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the effect of cryptorchidism on clinical stage (CS) of testicular seminoma (TS). Patients and Methods In the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database (2006‐2016), people with TS were enrolled in our research. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to compare the impact of cryptorchidism on CS. Results This research was based on the registry information of 12,991 TS patients. All patients with a median age of 36 (13–107) years were pathologically diagnosed with orchiectomy or needle biopsy specimens. Patients with CS I, II, and III TS accounted for 70.68% (n = 9182), 8.30% (n = 1078), and 5.75% (n = 747) of all patients, respectively; still there were 15.27% (n = 1984) of patients whose CS could not be identified or was not available. Among all included patients, 43.45% (n = 5644) of them had normal testis, 2.93% (n = 272) had cryptorchidism, and the primary site of 54.46% (n = 7075) of patients’ testis was unavailable. According to our study, patients with cryptorchidism were more likely to suffer advanced CS [OR=1.14, 95% CI (1.01–1.28), p=0.0407]. Furthermore, this effect became more remarkable after adjusting for other factors including age, region, marital status, race, year of diagnosis and laterality [OR=1.23, 95% CI (1.13–1.32), p<0.0001]. Conclusion According to this study, TS patients with cryptorchidism would be at a higher risk of suffering advanced cancer than patients with normal testis. It demonstrates that surgical correction for cryptorchidism should be timely, and specific management should be conducted on this kind of TS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyuan Wang
- Department of Urology/Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeyu Chen
- Department of Urology/Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Qiu
- Department of Urology/Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China.,Center of Biomedical Big Data, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dehong Cao
- Department of Urology/Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Jin
- Department of Urology/Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Urology/Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Urology/Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Huang
- Department of Urology/Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yige Bao
- Department of Urology/Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangren Liu
- Department of Urology/Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Urology/Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
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11
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GLI3 resides at the intersection of hedgehog and androgen action to promote male sex differentiation. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008810. [PMID: 32497091 PMCID: PMC7297385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Urogenital tract abnormalities are among the most common congenital defects in humans. Male urogenital development requires Hedgehog-GLI signaling and testicular hormones, but how these pathways interact is unclear. We found that Gli3XtJ mutant mice exhibit cryptorchidism and hypospadias due to local effects of GLI3 loss and systemic effects of testicular hormone deficiency. Fetal Leydig cells, the sole source of these hormones in developing testis, were reduced in numbers in Gli3XtJ testes, and their functional identity diminished over time. Androgen supplementation partially rescued testicular descent but not hypospadias in Gli3XtJ mutants, decoupling local effects of GLI3 loss from systemic effects of androgen insufficiency. Reintroduction of GLI3 activator (GLI3A) into Gli3XtJ testes restored expression of Hedgehog pathway and steroidogenic genes. Together, our results show a novel function for the activated form of GLI3 that translates Hedgehog signals to reinforce fetal Leydig cell identity and stimulate timely INSL3 and testosterone synthesis in the developing testis. In turn, exquisite timing and concentrations of testosterone are required to work alongside local GLI3 activity to control development of a functionally integrated male urogenital tract. Disorders in male sex differentiation (DSD) are among the most common defects in all live births, yet in many cases, pediatric patient families are reluctant to address the issue and endure lifelong consequences. Urogenital tract development, as in many organ systems, depends on exquisite timing among layers of a number of signaling pathways. Here, we show that interactions between the hedgehog and androgen signaling pathways are required for the development of internal and external male sex characteristics, but results for each tissue is distinct. This new knowledge will aid in discovering the means by which congenital malformations might occur, identify potential developmental targets that might be vulnerable to environmental exposures, and promote new ideas for how they might be prevented.
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12
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Mumtaz S, Hussain Z, Janjua TK, Hashmi AA, Qureshi SS, Tariq MU, Faridi N. Androgen Receptor: Evaluation and Correlation with Recurrence and Clinicopathological Parameters in Papillary Urothelial Carcinomas of the Urinary Bladder. Cureus 2020; 12:e6715. [PMID: 32104638 PMCID: PMC7032596 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.6715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Papillary urothelial carcinoma (PUC) is the most common malignant tumor of the urinary bladder. Urothelial tumors are notorious for frequent recurrences and follow a chronic relapsing course in most of the patients. In Pakistan, the incidence of PUC is showing a rising trend. Various immunohistochemical (IHC) markers including androgens have been studied as prognostic and predictive markers in PUC with conflicting results. Androgen is a steroid-based sex hormone and plays an important role in different body organs such as urinary bladder, prostate, muscles, and brain. We aimed to investigate the role of the IHC expression of androgen receptor (AR) as a predictor of recurrence in papillary urothelial carcinoma patients. Eighty-four patients were included in the study. Tissues from the biopsy specimens of these cases were stained with antibodies against AR; 17% of the cases demonstrated a positive AR IHC expression. The expression was slightly more common in low-grade carcinoma. The AR expression was not significantly associated with clinicopathological features. Recurrence was observed in 49% of the cases, and it was significantly more common in AR-negative cases (p-value: 0.025). Eighteen out of 19 patients who died of disease were AR- negative, but no statistical significance was observed. We conclude that the IHC expression of AR can be used as a predictive marker for PUC as it correlates with the recurrence rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Mumtaz
- Pathology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, PAK
| | - Zubaida Hussain
- Pathology, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, PAK
| | - Taimoor K Janjua
- Pathology, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, PAK
| | - Atif Ali Hashmi
- Pathology, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, PAK
| | | | | | - Naveen Faridi
- Pathology, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, PAK
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13
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Wang J, Gao WJ, Deng SL, Liu X, Jia H, Ma WZ. High temperature suppressed SSC self-renewal through S phase cell cycle arrest but not apoptosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:227. [PMID: 31358059 PMCID: PMC6664773 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1335-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High temperature has a very adverse effect on mammalian spermatogenesis and eventually leads to sub- or infertility through either apoptosis or DNA damage. However, the direct effects of heat stress on the development of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are still unknown because SSCs are rare in the testes. METHODS In the present study, we first used in vitro-cultured SSCs to study the effect of heat shock treatment on SSC development. Then, we used RNA-Seq analysis to identify new genes or signalling pathways implicated in the heat stress response. RESULTS We found that 45 min of 43 °C heat shock treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of SSCs 2 h after treatment but did not lead to apoptosis. In total, 17,822 genes were identified by RNA-Seq after SSC heat shock treatment. Among these genes, we found that 200 of them had significantly changed expression, with 173 upregulated and 27 downregulated genes. The number of differentially expressed genes in environmental information processing pathways was 37, which was the largest number. We screened the candidate JAK-STAT signalling pathway on the basis of inhibition of cell cycle progression and found that the JAK-STAT pathway was inhibited after heat shock treatment. The flow cytometry results further confirmed that heat stress caused S phase cycle arrest of SSCs. CONCLUSION Our results showed that heat shock treatment at 43 °C for 45 min significantly inhibited SSC self-renewal through S phase cell cycle arrest but not apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Wei-Jun Gao
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Shou-Long Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Hua Jia
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China. .,Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Wen-Zhi Ma
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China. .,Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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Miller, Jr WB, Torday JS. Reappraising the exteriorization of the mammalian testes through evolutionary physiology. Commun Integr Biol 2019; 12:38-54. [PMID: 31143362 PMCID: PMC6527184 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2019.1586047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of theories have been proposed to explain the exteriorization of the testicles in most mammalian species. None of these provide a consistent account for the wide variety of testicular locations found across the animal kingdom. It is proposed that testicular location is the result of coordinate action of testicular tissue ecologies to sustain preferential states of homeostatic equipoise throughout evolutionary development in response to the advent of endothermy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John S. Torday
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
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15
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da Silva Lacerda GR, Cantalice JCLL, de Souza Lima GM, de Albuquerque LEF, da Silva IDG, de Melo MEB, Adam ML, do Nascimento SC. Genotoxic activity of L-asparaginase produced by Streptomyces ansochromogenes UFPEDA 3420. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 35:41. [PMID: 30762133 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-019-2612-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
L-asparaginase is an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the substrate asparagine in aspartic acid and ammonia. Due to this mechanism of action observed, L-asparaginase is widely used in the treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, since these cells use asparagine for their survival. Because it is frequently used as an antineoplastic, it is necessary to evaluate its genotoxic effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate cellular DNA damage after exposure to L-asparaginase produced by Streptomyces ansochromogenes UFPEDA 3420. NCIH-292, MCF-7 and MOLT-4 neoplastic cell lines and normal PBMC cells were used. L-Asparaginase used in this study was produced by actinobacteria S. ansochromogenes UFPEDA 3420, isolated and purified by chromatographic methods. L-Asparaginase induced micronucleus formation in PBMC cells and tumor lines when compared to the negative control. These data suggest that L-Asp appears to have a genotoxic effect very close to the positive control in normal cells (p < 0.05). The level of genomic damage measured by DNA breaks in alkaline SCGE assay was detected from the lowest concentration (12.5 µg/mL) to the highest concentration (50 µg/mL) for tumor cell lines and PBMC. In view of the above, new genotoxic studies will be carried out to better elucidate L-Asparaginase and its mutagenic potential, still unknown, enough for this drug to be safely used in conventional antineoplastic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glêzia Renata da Silva Lacerda
- Laboratory of Microorganisms Collection, Department of Antibiotics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Gláucia Manoella de Souza Lima
- Laboratory of Microorganisms Collection, Department of Antibiotics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Mônica Lúcia Adam
- Department of Antibiotics, Cell Culture Laboratory, Federal University of Pernambuco, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 52171-011, Brazil
| | - Silene Carneiro do Nascimento
- Department of Animal Biology, Laboratory of Evolutionary and Ambient Genetics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
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16
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Yi W, Sheng-de W, Lian-Ju S, Tao L, Da-Wei H, Guang-Hui W. Management of undescended testis may be improved with educational updates and new transferring model. Ital J Pediatr 2018; 44:58. [PMID: 29793548 PMCID: PMC5968483 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-018-0499-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To investigate whether management of undescended testis (UDT) may be improved with educational updates and new transferring model among referring providers (RPs). Methods The age of orchidopexies performed in Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were reviewed. We then proposed educational updates and new transferring model among RPs. The age of orchidopexies performed after our intervention were collected. Data were represented graphically and statistical analysis Chi-square for trend were used. Results A total of 1543 orchidopexies were performed. The median age of orchidopexy did not matched the target age of 6–12 months in any subsequent year. Survey of the RPs showed that 48.85% of their recommended age was below 12 months. However, only 25.50% of them would directly make a surgical referral to pediatric surgery specifically at this point. After we proposed educational updates, tracking the age of orchidopexy revealed a statistically significant trend downward. Conclusions The management of undescended testis may be improved with educational updates and new transferring model among primary healthcare practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yi
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Room 806, Kejiao Building (NO.6 Building), No.136, 2nd Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing City, 400014, China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics Chongqing, Chongqing, China.
| | - Wu Sheng-de
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Room 806, Kejiao Building (NO.6 Building), No.136, 2nd Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing City, 400014, China. .,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China.
| | - Shen Lian-Ju
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Room 806, Kejiao Building (NO.6 Building), No.136, 2nd Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing City, 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Tao
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Room 806, Kejiao Building (NO.6 Building), No.136, 2nd Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing City, 400014, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - He Da-Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Room 806, Kejiao Building (NO.6 Building), No.136, 2nd Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing City, 400014, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Guang-Hui
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Room 806, Kejiao Building (NO.6 Building), No.136, 2nd Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing City, 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics Chongqing, Chongqing, China
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Al Harbi TZ, Azzam KA, Azzam A, Amin T, Bakshi N. Incidentally Discovered Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome in a 45-year-old male presenting with germ cell tumor and bilateral cryptorchidism: A rare case report and review of the literature. Int J Surg Case Rep 2018; 43:41-44. [PMID: 29453163 PMCID: PMC5849814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome (PMDS) is a rare sexual disease. It is characterized by the presence of female reproductive structures such as uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and upper part of vagina in a normal genotypically and phenotypically male. The diagnosis is usually incidental since the patients will present with normal external genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics. Imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, or ultrasound (US) could help in the diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION A 45-year-old male presented with bilateral undescended testes since birth and 2 months history abdominal mass. CT scan showed a 13 × 17 × 20 cm solid pelvi-abdominal mass. The diagnosis of mixed germ cell tumor of the undescended testes was made based on the CT scan. During resection of the tumor, patient was found to have a uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. DISCUSSION Pathological investigation showed endometrial tissues with portion of lower uterine segment and cervix with remnant of testes with marked atrophy. No Ovarian tissues were found nor fallopian tube as well. The diagnosis of PMDS was made based on the pathological report. CONCLUSION PMDS is a challenging condition to diagnose. Radiological investigation can miss the presence of the Müllerian duct structures as in our case because of the unusual presentation of this condition. Early diagnosis and management is important as the malignant transformation is high due to the undescended testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turki Z Al Harbi
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Kareem Ayman Azzam
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Ayman Azzam
- Department of Surgical Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC), P.O. Box 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia; Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, P.O. Box 21526, Egypt.
| | - Tarek Amin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC), P.O. Box 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nasir Bakshi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC), P.O. Box 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.
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Öberg S, Andresen K, Rosenberg J. Etiology of Inguinal Hernias: A Comprehensive Review. Front Surg 2017; 4:52. [PMID: 29018803 PMCID: PMC5614933 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2017.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The etiology of inguinal hernias remains uncertain even though the lifetime risk of developing an inguinal hernia is 27% for men and 3% for women. The aim was to summarize the evidence on hernia etiology, with focus on differences between lateral and medial hernias. Results Lateral and medial hernias seem to have common as well as different etiologies. A patent processus vaginalis and increased cumulative mechanical exposure are risk factors for lateral hernias. Patients with medial hernias seem to have a more profoundly altered connective tissue architecture and homeostasis compared with patients with lateral hernias. However, connective tissue alteration may play a role in development of both subtypes. Inguinal hernias have a hereditary component with a complex inheritance pattern, and inguinal hernia susceptible genes have been identified that also are involved in connective tissue homeostasis. Conclusion The etiology of lateral and medial hernias are at least partly different, but the final explanations are still lacking on certain areas. Further investigations of inguinal hernia genes may explain the altered connective tissue observed in patients with inguinal hernias. The precise mechanisms why processus vaginalis fails to obliterate in certain patients should also be clarified. Not all patients with a patent processus vaginalis develop a lateral hernia, but increased intraabdominal pressure appears to be a contributing factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina Öberg
- Center for Perioperative Optimization, Department of Surgery, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Andresen
- Center for Perioperative Optimization, Department of Surgery, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Rosenberg
- Center for Perioperative Optimization, Department of Surgery, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
Undescended testis - known as cryptorchidism - is one of the most common congenital abnormalities observed in boys, and is one of the few known risk factors for testicular cancer. The key factors that contribute to the occurrence of cryptorchidism remain elusive. Testicular descent is thought to occur during two hormonally-controlled phases in fetal development - between 8-15 weeks (the first phase of decent) and 25-35 weeks gestation (the second phase of descent); the failure of a testis to descend permanently is probably caused by disruptions to one or both of these phases, but the causes and mechanisms of such disruptions are still unclear. A broad range of putative risk factors have been evaluated in relation to the development of cryptorchidism but their plausibility is still in question. Consistent evidence of an association with cryptorchidism exists for only a few factors, and in those cases in which evidence seems unequivocal the factor is likely to be a surrogate for the true causal exposure. The relative importance of each risk factor could vary considerably between mother-son pairs depending on an array of genetic, maternal, placental and fetal factors - all of which could vary between regions. Thus, the role of causative factors in aetiology of cryptorchidism requires further research.
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20
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Chew KY, Renfree MB. Inducing Sex Reversal in Marsupial Mammals. Sex Dev 2016; 10:301-312. [DOI: 10.1159/000450927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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A allele of SNP12 in estrogen receptor 1 was a risk factor for cryptorchidism in Asians: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. Pediatr Surg Int 2016; 32:981-7. [PMID: 27376826 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-016-3926-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Some studies have been carried out to evaluate the association between SNP12 in estrogen receptor 1 and cryptorchidism, but the results remain inconsistent. We carried out a meta-analysis to explore the association between this polymorphism and cryptorchidism risk. METHODS All eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library. Pooled odds ratios, with 95 % confidence intervals, were assessed for the association using fixed- and random-effects models. RESULTS Overall, four case-control studies (363 cases, 415 controls) were included in the meta-analysis. No significant publication bias (P Begg = 0.308, P Egger = 0.288) was found. A allele of SNP12 in estrogen receptor 1 was protective factor to cryptorchidism in allele model, dominant genetic model and heterozygote comparison in Caucasians, but the result was turned out to be false positive by trial sequential analysis. However, A in allele model was risk factor to cryptorchidism in Asians (odds ratio 2.02, 95 % confidence interval 1.03-3.01, p = 0.946 for heterogeneity) and the result was turned out to be true positive by trial sequential analysis, even though there were merely two original studies. CONCLUSIONS The results of this meta-analysis suggest that A allele of SNP12 in estrogen receptor 1 may increase the risk of cryptorchidism in Asians. Meanwhile, further well-designed studies with large sample sizes are required to confirm the present findings, especially in Caucasians.
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22
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Chiba K, Enatsu N, Fujisawa M. Management of non-obstructive azoospermia. Reprod Med Biol 2016; 15:165-173. [PMID: 29259433 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-016-0234-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is defined as no sperm in the ejaculate due to failure of spermatogenesis and is the most severe form of male infertility. The etiology of NOA is either intrinsic testicular impairment or inadequate gonadotropin production. Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities should be evaluated because there is a relatively high incidence compared with the normal population. Although rare, NOA due to inadequate gonadotropin production is a condition in which fertility can be improved by medical treatment. In contrast, there is no treatment that can restore spermatogenesis in the majority of NOA patients. Consequently, testicular extraction of sperm under an operating microscope (micro-TESE) has been the first-line treatment for these patients. Other treatment options include varicocelectomy for NOA patients with a palpable varicocele and orchidopexy if undescended testes are diagnosed after adulthood, although management of these patients remains controversial. Advances in retrieving spermatozoa more efficiently by micro-TESE have been made during the past decade. In addition, recent advances in biotechnology have raised the possibility of using germ cells produced from stem cells in the future. This review presents current knowledge about the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Chiba
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery Related, Faculty of Medicine Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku 650-0017 Kobe Japan
| | - Noritoshi Enatsu
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery Related, Faculty of Medicine Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku 650-0017 Kobe Japan
| | - Masato Fujisawa
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery Related, Faculty of Medicine Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine 7-5-1 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku 650-0017 Kobe Japan
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23
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Hensel KO, Caspers T, Jenke AC, Schuler E, Wirth S. Operative management of cryptorchidism: guidelines and reality--a 10-year observational analysis of 3587 cases. BMC Pediatr 2015; 15:116. [PMID: 26357871 PMCID: PMC4566496 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-015-0429-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Undescended testis (UDT) is the most common disorder in pediatric surgery and one of the most important risk factors for malignancy and subfertility. In 2009 local guidelines were modified and now recommend treatment to be completed by the age of 1. Aim of this study was to analyze age distribution at the time of orchidopexy, whether the procedure is performed according to guideline recommendations and to assess primary care pediatricians’ attitude regarding their treatment approach. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 3587 patients with UDT regarding age at orchidopexy between 2003 and 2012 in 13 German hospitals. Furthermore, we conducted an anonymized nation-wide survey among primary care pediatricians regarding their attitude toward management of UDT. Results Before modification of the guideline 78 % (n = 1245) of the boys with UDT were not operated according to guideline recommendations. After the modification that number rose to 95 % (n = 1472). 42 % of the orchidopexies were performed on patients aged 4 to 17 years. 46 % of the primary care pediatricians were not aware of this discrepancy and 38 % would only initiate operative management after the first year of life. In hospitals with pediatric surgery departments significantly more patients received orchidopexy in their first year of life (p < .001). Conclusion The guideline for UDT in Germany has not yet been implemented sufficiently. Timing of orchidopexy must be optimized in order to improve long-term prognosis. Both primary care providers and parents should be educated regarding the advantages of early orchidopexy in UDT. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the high rate of late orchidopexies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12887-015-0429-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai O Hensel
- Department of Pediatrics, HELIOS Medical Center Wuppertal, Children's Hospital, Centre for Clinical & Translational Research (CCTR), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Heusnerstr. 40, D-42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Tawa Caspers
- Department of Pediatrics, HELIOS Medical Center Wuppertal, Children's Hospital, Centre for Clinical & Translational Research (CCTR), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Heusnerstr. 40, D-42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Andreas C Jenke
- Department of Pediatrics, HELIOS Medical Center Wuppertal, Children's Hospital, Centre for Clinical & Translational Research (CCTR), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Heusnerstr. 40, D-42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Ekkehard Schuler
- Institute for Quality Management, HELIOS Kliniken GmbH, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Stefan Wirth
- Department of Pediatrics, HELIOS Medical Center Wuppertal, Children's Hospital, Centre for Clinical & Translational Research (CCTR), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Heusnerstr. 40, D-42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
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Zhang L, Wang XH, Zheng XM, Liu TZ, Zhang WB, Zheng H, Chen MF. Maternal gestational smoking, diabetes, alcohol drinking, pre-pregnancy obesity and the risk of cryptorchidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119006. [PMID: 25798927 PMCID: PMC4370654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal gestational smoking, diabetes, alcohol drinking, and pre-pregnancy obesity are thought to increase the risk of cryptorchidism in newborn males, but the evidence is inconsistent. Method We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the association between maternal gestational smoking, diabetes, alcohol drinking, and pre-pregnancy obesity and the risk of cryptorchidism. Articles were retrieved by searching PubMed and ScienceDirect, and the meta-analysis was conducted using Stata/SE 12.0 software. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the influence of confounding variables. Results We selected 32 articles, including 12 case—control, five nested case—control, and 15 cohort studies. The meta-analysis showed that maternal smoking (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.11–1.23) or diabetes (OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.00–1.46) during pregnancy were associated with increased risk of cryptorchidism. Overall, the association between maternal alcohol drinking (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.87–1.07), pre-pregnancy body mass index (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.95–1.09) and risk of cryptorchidism were not statistically significant. Additional analysis showed reduced risk (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82–0.96) of cryptorchidism with moderate alcohol drinking during pregnancy. No dose—response relationship was observed for increments in body mass index in the risk of cryptorchidism. Sensitivity analysis revealed an unstable result for the association between maternal diabetes, alcohol drinking and cryptorchidism. Moderate heterogeneity was detected in studies of the effect of maternal alcohol drinking and diabetes. No publication bias was detected. Conclusion Maternal gestational smoking, but not maternal pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity, was associated with increased cryptorchidism risk in the offspring. Moderate alcohol drinking may reduce the risk of cryptorchidism while gestational diabetes may be a risk factor, but further studies are needed to verify this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
| | - Xing-Huan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin-Min Zheng
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tong-Zu Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Bin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hang Zheng
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mi-Feng Chen
- Department of Obstetrical, Jingmen No. 2 People’s Hospital, Jingmen Hubei, People’s Republic of China
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ErLin S, WenJie W, LiNing W, BingXin L, MingDe L, Yan S, RuiFa H. Musashi-1 maintains blood-testis barrier structure during spermatogenesis and regulates stress granule formation upon heat stress. Mol Biol Cell 2015; 26:1947-56. [PMID: 25717188 PMCID: PMC4436837 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e14-11-1497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Msi-1 knockdown disrupts blood-testis barrier structure and the continuous process of spermatogenesis. A role for Msi-1 in regulating Sertoli cell fate following heat-induced injury is noted. In mouse testes, Musashi-1 (Msi-1) was predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm and nuclei of Sertoli cells. Here we demonstrate that knockdown of Msi-1 in Sertoli cells altered the levels and distribution of blood–testis barrier (BTB)-associated proteins. Moreover, Msi-1 knockdown in vivo disrupted BTB functional structure and spermatogenesis. In addition, we report a novel role of Msi-1 in regulating Sertoli cells survival following heat-induced injury. Endogenous Msi-1 protein in heat-treated Sertoli cells was recruited to stress granules. The formation of stress granules was considerably disrupted, and apoptosis was significantly up-regulated in Msi-1–knockdown Sertoli cells after heat treatment. p-ERK1/2 acted downstream of stress granule formation, and inhibition of p-ERK1/2 signaling triggered Sertoli cell apoptosis upon heat stress. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Msi-1 is critical for constructing a functional BTB structure and maintaining spermatogenesis. We also note a role for Msi-1 in regulating Sertoli cell fate following heat-induced injury, likely through the induction of stress granule formation and subsequent activation of p-ERK1/2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun ErLin
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei WenJie
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang LiNing
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu BingXin
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei MingDe
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, People's Republic of China
| | - Sun Yan
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, People's Republic of China
| | - Han RuiFa
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, People's Republic of China
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Hensel KO, Wirth S. Undescended testis guideline - is it being implemented in practice? DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 111:647-8. [PMID: 25323021 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2014.0647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kai O Hensel
- Department of Pediatrics, Helios Medical Center, Witten/Herdecke University, Wuppertal, Germany
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Svechnikov K, Stukenborg JB, Savchuck I, Söder O. Similar causes of various reproductive disorders in early life. Asian J Androl 2014; 16:50-9. [PMID: 24369133 PMCID: PMC3901882 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.122199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past few decades, scientific evidence has been accumulated concerning the possible adverse effects of the exposure to environmental chemicals on the well-being of wildlife and human populations. One large and growing group of such compounds of anthropogenic or natural origin is referred to as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), due to their deleterious action on the endocrine system. This concern was first focused on the control of reproductive function particularly in males, but has later been expanded to include all possible endocrine functions. The present review describes the underlying physiology behind the cascade of developmental events that occur during sexual differentiation of males and the specific role of androgen in the masculinization process and proper organogenesis of the external male genitalia. The impact of the genetic background, environmental exposures and lifestyle factors in the etiology of hypospadias, cryptorchidism and testicular cancer are reviewed and the possible role of EDCs in the development of these reproductive disorders is discussed critically. Finally, the possible direct and programming effects of exposures in utero to widely use therapeutic compounds, environmental estrogens and other chemicals on the incidence of reproductive abnormalities and poor semen quality in humans are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Olle Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Shalaby MM, Kurkar A, Zarzour MA, Faddan AA, Khalil M, Abdelhafez MF. The management of the persistent Müllerian duct syndrome. Arab J Urol 2014; 12:239-44. [PMID: 26019957 PMCID: PMC4435512 DOI: 10.1016/j.aju.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To report the findings and management of patients with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS). PATIENTS AND METHODS Nineteen phenotypically male patients (aged 8 months to 27 years) presented with testicular maldescent. All of them had normal male external genitalia. Two of them had had a previous diagnosis of persistent Müllerian structures. All patients were karyotyped, and had a hormonal profile, diagnostic laparoscopy, retrograde urethrocystogram, gonadal biopsies, and surgical management according to the findings. The follow-up was based on a clinical examination, abdominal ultrasonography (US) and scrotal colour-Doppler US at 3 and 6 months after surgery, and every 6 months thereafter. RESULTS Diagnostic laparoscopy showed the presence of persistent Müllerian structures in all 19 patients. All patients had a normal male karyotype (46XY). Ten patients had a laparoscopic excision of their Müllerian structures while the remaining nine patients had their Müllerian structures left in place. No malignant changes were found in the excised Müllerian tissues. Of the 37 gonadal biopsies taken, 31 (84%) indicated normal testes. CONCLUSIONS The incidence and prevalence of PMDS are not well estimated. Müllerian structures should be removed whenever possible to avoid the risk of malignant transformation. The early diagnosis of PMDS makes possible the excision of Müllerian structures and a primary orchidopexy. A long-term follow-up is needed for patients with intact Müllerian structures and magnetic resonance imaging might be a better method than US for that purpose. Most of the patients had normal testicular histology, which might allow fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud M Shalaby
- Urology Department, Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Adel Kurkar
- Urology Department, Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Zarzour
- Urology Department, Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amr A Faddan
- Urology Department, Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Khalil
- Urology Department, Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed F Abdelhafez
- Urology Department, Assiut Urology and Nephrology Hospital, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Chang C, Lee SO, Wang RS, Yeh S, Chang TM. Androgen receptor (AR) physiological roles in male and female reproductive systems: lessons learned from AR-knockout mice lacking AR in selective cells. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:21. [PMID: 23782840 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.109132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens/androgen receptor (AR) signaling is involved primarily in the development of male-specific phenotypes during embryogenesis, spermatogenesis, sexual behavior, and fertility during adult life. However, this signaling has also been shown to play an important role in development of female reproductive organs and their functions, such as ovarian folliculogenesis, embryonic implantation, and uterine and breast development. The establishment of the testicular feminization (Tfm) mouse model exploiting the X-linked Tfm mutation in mice has been a good in vivo tool for studying the human complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, but this mouse may not be the perfect in vivo model. Mouse models with various cell-specific AR knockout (ARKO) might allow us to study AR roles in individual types of cells in these male and female reproductive systems, although discrepancies are found in results between labs, probably due to using various Cre mice and/or knocking out AR in different AR domains. Nevertheless, no doubt exists that the continuous development of these ARKO mouse models and careful studies will provide information useful for understanding AR roles in reproductive systems of humans and may help us to develop more effective and more specific therapeutic approaches for reproductive system-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chawnshang Chang
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, and Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Hutson JM, Li R, Southwell BR, Petersen BL, Thorup J, Cortes D. Germ cell development in the postnatal testis: the key to prevent malignancy in cryptorchidism? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 3:176. [PMID: 23316184 PMCID: PMC3539691 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
To permit normal postnatal germ cell development, the mammalian testis undergoes a complex, multi-staged process of descent to the scrotum. Failure of any part of this process leads to congenital cryptorchidism, wherein the malpositioned testis finds itself at the wrong temperature after birth, which leads to secondary germ cell loss and later infertility and risk of cancer. Recent studies suggest that neonatal gonocytes transform into the putative spermatogenic stem cells between 3 and 9 months, and this initial postnatal step is deranged in cryptorchid testes. In addition, it is thought the abnormality high temperature may also impair apoptosis of remaining gonocytes, allowing some to persist to become the possible source of carcinoma in situ and malignancy after puberty. The biology of postnatal germ cell development is of intense interest, as it is likely to be the key to the optimal timing for orchidopexy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Hutson
- Department of Urology, Royal Children’s HospitalParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ruili Li
- Department of Urology, Royal Children’s HospitalParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bridget R. Southwell
- F Douglas Stephens, Surgical Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research InstituteMelbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bodil L. Petersen
- Department of Pathology, University of CopenhagenCopenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorgen Thorup
- Department of Paediatric Surgery and Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Science, University of CopenhagenCopenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dina Cortes
- Department of Paediatrics, Hvidovre Hospital, Faculty of Health Science, University of CopenhagenCopenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
The failure of testicular descent or cryptorchidism is the most common defect in newborn boys. The descent of the testes during development is controlled by insulin-like 3 peptide and steroid hormones produced in testicular Leydig cells, as well as by various genetic and developmental factors. While in some cases the association with genetic abnormalities and environmental causes has been shown, the etiology of cryptorchidism remains uncertain. Cryptorchidism is an established risk factor for infertility and testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). Experimental animal models suggest a causative role for an abnormal testicular position on the disruption of spermatogenesis however the link between cryptorchidism and TGCT is less clear. The most common type of TGCT in cryptorchid testes is seminoma, believed to be derived from pluripotent prenatal germ cells. Recent studies have shown that seminoma cells and their precursor carcinoma in situ cells express a number of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) markers suggesting that TGCTs might originate from adult stem cells. We review here the data on changes in the SSC somatic cell niche observed in cryptorchid testes of mouse models and in human patients. We propose that the misregulation of growth factors' expression may alter the balance between SSC self-renewal and differentiation and shift stem cells toward neoplastic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Ferguson
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International UniversityMiami, FL, USA
| | - Alexander I. Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International UniversityMiami, FL, USA
- *Correspondence: Alexander I. Agoulnik, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, HLSI 419B, Miami, FL 33199, USA. e-mail:
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32
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Matuszczak E, Hermanowicz A, Komarowska M, Debek W. Serum AMH in Physiology and Pathology of Male Gonads. Int J Endocrinol 2013; 2013:128907. [PMID: 24282408 PMCID: PMC3824311 DOI: 10.1155/2013/128907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
AMH is secreted by immature Sertoli cells (SC) and is responsible for the regression of Müllerian ducts in the male fetus as part of the sexual differentiation process. AMH is also involved in testicular development and function. AMHs are at their lowest levels in the first days after birth but increase after the first week, likely reflecting active SC proliferation. AMH rises rapidly in concentration in boys during the first month, reaching a peak level at about 6 months of age, and then slowly declines during childhood, falling to low levels in puberty. Basal and FSH-stimulated levels of AMH, might become a useful predictive marker of the spermatogenic response to gonadotropic treatment in young patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. After puberty, AMH is released preferentially by the apical pole of the SC towards the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, resulting in higher concentrations in the seminal plasma than in the serum. Defects in AMH production and insensitivity to AMH due to receptor defects result in the persistent Müllerian duct syndrome. A measurable value of AMH in a boy with bilateral cryptorchidism is predictive of undescended testes, while an undetectable value is highly suggestive of anorchia or ovaries, as would be the case in girls with female pseudohermaphroditism and pure gonadal dysgenesis. Lower serum AMH concentrations in otherwise healthy boys with cryptorchidism, who were compared with their age-matched counterparts with palpable testes, have been reported previously. AMH levels are higher in prepubertal patients with varicocele than in controls. This altered serum profile of AMH in boys with varicoceles may indicate an early abnormality in the regulation of the seminiferous epithelial function. Serum AMH is known to be valuable in assessing gonadal function. As compared to testing involving the administration of human chorionic gonadotropin, the measurement of AMH is more sensitive and equally specific. Measurement of AMH is very useful in young children, because serum gonadotropin concentrations in those who are agonadal are nondiagnostic in midchildhood and serum testosterone concentrations may fail to increase with provocative testing in children with abdominal testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Matuszczak
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
- *Ewa Matuszczak:
| | - Adam Hermanowicz
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Marta Komarowska
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Wojciech Debek
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
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Hermanowicz A, Matuszczak E, Debek W, Dzienis-Koronkiewicz E, Komarowska M, Oksiuta M, Kowalewska J, Milewski R. Expression of estrogen receptors α and β in paratesticular tissues in boys operated on for unilateral cryptorchidism between the 1st and 4th years of life. Med Sci Monit 2012; 18:CR630-4. [PMID: 23018357 PMCID: PMC3560562 DOI: 10.12659/msm.883490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the expression of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in paratesticular tissues in a group of boys with and without cryptorchidism, and evaluation of karyotypes, localization, morphology and the major length of the undescended testes. MATERIAL/METHODS Fifty boys (1-4 years old) with unilateral cryptorchidism were evaluated. Fifty healthy boys within the same age range, with inguinal hernia, served as a control group. Measurements concerning expression of ERalpha ERbeta receptors were preformed using monoclonal mouse antibodies against human receptor alpha and beta. RESULTS In the mesothelial layer, the expression of ERalpha was higher in the patients group with undescended testes and it was statistically significant (p=0.04). There was no difference in the expression of ERbeta in this layer between groups. In the stromal cell layer there was statistically significant higher expression of ERbeta (p<0.05) in the group of patients with undescended testes. CONCLUSIONS There was no difference between expressions of ERalpha in stromal cell layer. In the endothelial layer there was no difference in expression of ERalpha and ERbeta. In the smooth muscle layer there was no expression of ERalpha in either group. The expression of ERbeta in the smooth muscle layer was nearly identical in both groups. Undescended testes were generally found in the superficial inguinal pouch (n=46). The major lengths of the undescended testes were smaller in comparison to the testes positioned normally. In 9 of the cases the testes had different shape, and turgor deficit, and epididymides were smaller, dysplastic and separated from the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Hermanowicz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
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34
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Matuszczak E, Hermanowicz A, Debek W, Oksiuta M, Dzienis-Koronkiewicz E, Zelazowska-Rutkowska B. Serum AMH concentration as a marker evaluating gonadal function in boys operated on for unilateral cryptorchidism between 1st and 4th year of life. Endocrine 2012; 41:334-7. [PMID: 22038452 PMCID: PMC3298651 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-011-9551-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to measure the serum AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone) concentrations in a group of boys with or without cryptorchidism, evaluation of karyotypes, testicular position, morphology, and major length of the undescended testes. Fifty boys who were 1-4 years old (median = 2.4 years) with unilateral cryptorchidism were evaluated. All of them underwent orchidopexy in 2010. Prior to the procedure, all of the subjects had undergone karyotyping to exclude chromosomal abnormalities. Fifty healthy boys within the same age range (median = 2.1 years) admitted for planned inguinal hernia repair in 2010, served as controls. Blood samples were collected, while obtaining blood for standard laboratory tests routinely performed before the surgeries. Medians of AMH in boys with cryptorchidism were lower than in boys with inguinal hernia and differed significantly between two groups. Undescended testes were generally found in superficial inguinal pouch (n = 46), in two cases were noted to be in the external ring of the inguinal canal, and in another two instances, in the abdominal cavity. The major lengths of the undescended testes were smaller in comparison to the testes positioned normally (mean of 1 cm vs. a mean of 1.5 cm, respectively). In nine of the cases, the testes had turgor deficit, a drop shape, with epididymides that were small, dysplastic, and separated from the testis. The authors found that AMH was lower in boys with unilateral cryptorchidism (also found to have smaller testis) when compared with the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Matuszczak
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland.
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35
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Bellingham M, McKinnell C, Fowler PA, Amezaga MR, Zhang Z, Rhind SM, Cotinot C, Mandon-Pepin B, Evans NP, Sharpe RM. Foetal and post-natal exposure of sheep to sewage sludge chemicals disrupts sperm production in adulthood in a subset of animals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 35:317-29. [PMID: 22150464 PMCID: PMC3440584 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01234.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to ubiquitous, environmental chemicals (ECs) has been hypothesized as a cause for declining male reproductive health. Understanding the long-term effects of EC exposure on reproductive health in humans requires animal models and exposure to ‘real life’, environmentally relevant, mixtures during development, a life stage of particular sensitivity to ECs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of in utero and post-natal exposure to environmentally relevant levels of ECs, via sewage sludge application to pasture, on the adult male sheep testis. Hormones, liver concentrations of candidate ECs and Sertoli and germ cell numbers in testes of adult rams that were exposed to ECs in sewage sludge in utero, and until weaning via maternal exposure, and post-weaning via grazing pastures fertilized with sewage sludge, were quantified. Evaluated as a single group, exposure to sludge ECs was without significant effect on most parameters. However, a more detailed study revealed that 5 of 12 sludge-exposed rams exhibited major spermatogenic abnormalities. These consisted of major reductions in germ cell numbers per testis or per Sertoli cell and more Sertoli cell-only tubules, when compared with controls, which did not show any such changes. The sludge-related spermatogenic changes in the five affected animals were significantly different from controls (p < 0.001); Sertoli cell number was unaffected. Hormone profiles and liver candidate EC concentrations were not measurably affected by exposure. We conclude that developmental exposure of male sheep to real-world mixtures of ECs can result in major reduction in germ cell numbers, indicative of impaired sperm production, in a proportion of exposed males. The individual-specific effects are presumed to reflect EC effects on a heterogeneous population in which some individuals may be more susceptible to adverse EC effects. Such effects of EC exposure in humans could have adverse consequences for sperm counts and fertility in some exposed males.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bellingham
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
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Kaftanovskaya EM, Feng S, Huang Z, Tan Y, Barbara AM, Kaur S, Truong A, Gorlov IP, Agoulnik AI. Suppression of insulin-like3 receptor reveals the role of β-catenin and Notch signaling in gubernaculum development. Mol Endocrinol 2010; 25:170-83. [PMID: 21147849 DOI: 10.1210/me.2010-0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During male development, the testes move from a high intraabdominal position and descend into the scrotum. The gubernaculum, an inguinoscrotal ligament connecting the testis to the lower abdomen, is believed to play a critical role in this process. The first stage of testicular descent is controlled by insulin like3 hormone (INSL3), produced in testicular Leydig cells. Deletion of Insl3 or its receptor, Rxfp2, in mice causes cryptorchidism. We produced Cre/loxP regulated shRNA transgenic mice targeting RXFP2 expression. We have shown that the transgene was able to reduce Rxfp2 gene expression and thus behaved as a hypomorphic allele of Rxfp2. Variable degrees of uni- and bilateral cryptorchidism was detected in males with the activated shRNA transgene on an Rxfp2+/- background. Conditional suppression of Rxfp2 in the gubernaculum led to cryptorchidism. Gene expression analysis of a mutant cremasteric sac using Illumina microarrays indicated abnormal expression of a significant number of genes in Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways. We have demonstrated profound changes in the expression pattern of β-catenin, Notch1, desmin, and androgen receptor (AR), in Rxfp2-/- male embryos, indicating the role of INSL3 in proliferation, differentiation, and survival of specific cellular components of the gubernaculum. We have shown that INSL3/RXFP2 signaling is essential for myogenic differentiation and maintenance of AR-positive cells in the gubernaculum. Males with the deletion of β-catenin or Notch1 in the gubernacular ligament demonstrated abnormal development. Our data indicates that β-catenin and Notch pathways are potential targets of INSL3 signaling during gubernacular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena M Kaftanovskaya
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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Trends in the incidence of cryptorchidism and hypospadias of registry-based data in Korea: a comparison between industrialized areas of petrochemical estates and a non-industrialized area. Asian J Androl 2010; 13:715-8. [PMID: 20729869 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to represent the recent trends in the nationwide incidence of cryptorchidism and hypospadias in Korea, and to determine whether there is evidence of spatial heterogeneity in the incidence. The incidence was calculated as the number of newly diagnosed patients (males) during the first 4 years after a live birth in a population, nationally and regionally (a non-industrialized area (Chuncheon) and petrochemical estates (Yeocheon and Ulsan)), between 2000 and 2005. The data (numerator) for new patients were acquired from the National Health Insurance Review Agency, and the data (denominator) for the resident registration population were from the National Statistical Office. Between 2000 and 2005, the national incidence of cryptorchidism and hypospadias had an increased tendency from 5.01 to 17.43 per 10 000 persons and from 1.40 to 3.28 per 10 000 persons, respectively. The incidence of cryptorchidism was significantly higher in Yeocheon (throughout the study period) and in Ulsan (2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005) than the national incidence, whereas the incidence in Chuncheon was significantly lower in 2001 and 2002. It was difficult to compare the rates of hypospadias yearly and regionally because of the small number of cases. In conclusion, the incidence of cryptorchidism has recently increased in Korea. The petrochemical estates, Yeocheon and Ulsan, had a significantly higher incidence of cyptorchidism than the national incidence, which suggests that further study is needed to obtain a more precise estimation of the trends in the incidence of the anomalies and to confirm the association between petrochemicals and the anomalies.
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38
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Yuan FP, Li X, Lin J, Schwabe C, Büllesbach EE, Rao CV, Lei ZM. The role of RXFP2 in mediating androgen-induced inguinoscrotal testis descent in LH receptor knockout mice. Reproduction 2010; 139:759-69. [PMID: 20154177 DOI: 10.1530/rep-09-0518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
LH receptor knockout (LhrKO) male mice exhibit a bilateral cryptorchidism resulting from a developmental defect in the gubernaculum during the inguinoscrotal phase of testis descent, which is corrected by testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the roles of the androgen receptor (AR) and RXFP2 signals in regulation of gubernacular development in LhrKO animals. This study demonstrated that AR and RXFP2 proteins were expressed in the gubernaculum during the entire postnatal period. TRT normalized gubernacular RXFP2 protein levels inLhrKO mice. Organ and primary cell cultures of gubernacula showed that 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) upregulated the expression of Rxfp2 which was abolished by the addition of an AR antagonist, flutamide. A single s.c. testosterone injection also led to a significant increase in Rxfp2 mRNA levels in a time-dependent fashion in LhrKO animals. DHT, natural and synthetic insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), or relaxin alone did not affect proliferation of gubernacular mesenchymal cells, while co-treatments of DHT with either INSL3 or relaxin resulted in an increase in cell proliferation, and they also enhanced the mesenchymal cell differentiation toward the myogenic pathway, which included a decrease in a mesenchymal cell marker, CD44 and the expression of troponin. These effects were attenuated by the addition of flutamide, siRNA-mediated Rxfp2 knockdown, or by an INSL3 antagonist. Co-administration of an INSL3 antagonist curtailed TRT-induced inguinoscrotal testis descent in LhrKO mice. Our findings indicate that the RXFP2 signaling pathway plays an important role in mediating androgen action to stimulate gubernaculum development during inguinoscrotal testis descent.
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Affiliation(s)
- F P Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292, USA
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Zubair M, Oka S, Parker KL, Morohashi KI. Transgenic expression of Ad4BP/SF-1 in fetal adrenal progenitor cells leads to ectopic adrenal formation. Mol Endocrinol 2009; 23:1657-67. [PMID: 19628584 DOI: 10.1210/me.2009-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficiency of adrenal 4 binding protein/steroidogenic factor 1 (Ad4BP/SF-1; NR5A1) impairs adrenal development in a dose-dependent manner, whereas overexpression of Ad4BP/SF-1 is associated with adrenocortical tumorigenesis. Despite its essential roles in adrenal development, the mechanism(s) by which Ad4BP/SF-1 regulates this process remain incompletely understood. We previously identified a fetal adrenal enhancer (FAdE) that stimulates Ad4BP/SF-1 expression in the fetal adrenal gland by a two-step mechanism in which homeobox proteins initiate Ad4BP/SF-1 expression, which then maintains FAdE activity in an autoregulatory loop. In the present study, we examined the effect of transgenic expression of Ad4BP/SF-1 controlled by FAdE on adrenal development. When Ad4BP/SF-1 was overexpressed using a FAdE-Ad4BP/SF-1 transgene, FAdE activity expanded outside of its normal field, resulting in increased adrenal size and the formation of ectopic adrenal tissue in the thorax. The increased size of the adrenal gland did not result from a corresponding increase in cell proliferation, suggesting rather that the increased levels of Ad4BP/SF-1 may divert uncommitted precursors to the steroidogenic lineage. The effects of FAdE-controlled Ad4BP/SF-1 overexpression in mice provide a novel model of ectopic adrenal formation that further supports the critical role of Ad4BP/SF-1 in the determination of steroidogenic cell fate in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Zubair
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
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Wang RS, Yeh S, Tzeng CR, Chang C. Androgen receptor roles in spermatogenesis and fertility: lessons from testicular cell-specific androgen receptor knockout mice. Endocr Rev 2009; 30:119-32. [PMID: 19176467 PMCID: PMC2662628 DOI: 10.1210/er.2008-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Androgens are critical steroid hormones that determine the expression of the male phenotype, including the outward development of secondary sex characteristics as well as the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis. Their actions are mediated by the androgen receptor (AR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. AR functions as a ligand-dependent transcription factor, regulating expression of an array of androgen-responsive genes. Androgen and the AR play important roles in male spermatogenesis and fertility. The recent generation and characterization of male total and conditional AR knockout mice from different laboratories demonstrated the necessity of AR signaling for both external and internal male phenotype development. As expected, the male total AR knockout mice exhibited female-typical external appearance (including a vagina with a blind end and a clitoris-like phallus), the testis was located abdominally, and germ cell development was severely disrupted, which was similar to a human complete androgen insensitivity syndrome or testicular feminization mouse. However, the process of spermatogenesis is highly dependent on autocrine and paracrine communication among testicular cell types, and the disruption of AR throughout an experimental animal cannot answer the question about how AR in each type of testicular cell can play roles in the process of spermatogenesis. In this review, we provide new insights by comparing the results of cell-specific AR knockout in germ cells, peritubular myoid cells, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells mouse models that were generated by different laboratories to see the consequent defects in spermatogenesis due to AR loss in different testicular cell types in spermatogenesis. Briefly, this review summarizes these results as follows: 1) the impact of lacking AR in Sertoli cells mainly affects Sertoli cell functions to support and nurture germ cells, leading to spermatogenesis arrest at the diplotene primary spermatocyte stage prior to the accomplishment of first meiotic division; 2) the impact of lacking AR in Leydig cells mainly affects steroidogenic functions leading to arrest of spermatogenesis at the round spermatid stage; 3) the impact of lacking AR in the smooth muscle cells and peritubular myoid cells in mice results in similar fertility despite decreased sperm output as compared to wild-type controls; and 4) the deletion of AR gene in mouse germ cells does not affect spermatogenesis and male fertility. This review tries to clarify the useful information regarding how androgen/AR functions in individual cells of the testis. The future studies of detailed molecular mechanisms in these in vivo animals with cell-specific AR knockout could possibly lead to useful insights for improvements in the treatment of male infertility, hypogonadism, and testicular dysgenesis syndrome, and in attempts to create safe as well as effective male contraceptive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruey-Sheng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Urology, George Whipple Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
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Johnson KJ, McCahan SM, Si X, Campion L, Herrmann R, Barthold JS. The orl rat with inherited cryptorchidism has increased susceptibility to the testicular effects of in utero dibutyl phthalate exposure. Toxicol Sci 2008; 105:360-7. [PMID: 18621746 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfn140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotype results from interactions between genetics and environment, but for most environmental chemical exposures, such interactions are theoretical. The phenotypic response of the testis to in utero dibutyl phthalate (DBP) exposure was compared between two strains of Long-Evans (LE) rats, the orl substrain with inherited cryptorchidism and an outbred (wt) strain. orl and wt LE rats were exposed daily between gestational day (GD) 12 and GD21 to DBP dose levels ranging from 50 to 200 mg/kg by oral gavage and sensitive phthalate testicular end points examined at either GD19, GD21, or postnatal day (PND) 21. At 50 mg/kg DBP, GD19 expression of Cyp17a1, Insl3, and Scarb1 was significantly reduced in orl but not wt testis. At GD21, statistically significant differential strain effects (orl more sensitive than wt) were observed for testicular expression of Scarb1 at 50 and 200 mg/kg DBP and Star at 200 mg/kg DBP. Similarly, DBP exposure disproportionately increased GD21 seminiferous cord diameters and numbers of multinucleated germ cells in the orl strain. At PND21, body weight-corrected testis weights were lowered significantly by DBP exposure at all dose levels in the orl strain but not in wt rats. While the frequency of undescended testes after 200 mg/kg DBP exposure in the orl strain appeared increased, these data were not statistically significant. These results demonstrated enhanced sensitivity of the orl rat to phthalate exposure as compared to its parent strain, a potentially important model of the effects of gene-environment interaction on development of male reproductive malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamin J Johnson
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, USA.
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Sasaki G, Ishii T, Jeyasuria P, Jo Y, Bahat A, Orly J, Hasegawa T, Parker KL. Complex role of the mitochondrial targeting signal in the function of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein revealed by bacterial artificial chromosome transgenesis in vivo. Mol Endocrinol 2008; 22:951-64. [PMID: 18187601 DOI: 10.1210/me.2007-0493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) stimulates the regulated production of steroid hormones in the adrenal cortex and gonads by facilitating the delivery of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane. To explore key aspects of StAR function within bona fide steroidogenic cells, we used a transgenic mouse model to explore the function of StAR proteins in vivo. We first validated this transgenic bacterial artificial chromosome reconstitution system by targeting enhanced green fluorescent protein to steroidogenic cells of the adrenal cortex and gonads. Thereafter, we targeted expression of either wild-type StAR (WT-StAR) or a mutated StAR protein lacking the mitochondrial targeting signal (N47-StAR). In the context of mice homozygous for a StAR knockout allele (StAR-/-), all StAR activity derived from the StAR transgenes, allowing us to examine the function of the proteins that they encode. The WT-StAR transgene consistently restored viability and steroidogenic function to StAR-/- mice. Although the N47-StAR protein was reportedly active in transfected COS cells and mitochondrial reconstitution experiments, the N47-StAR transgene rescued viability in only 40% of StAR-/- mice. Analysis of lipid deposits in the primary steroidogenic tissues revealed a hierarchy of StAR function provided by N47-StAR: florid lipid deposits were seen in the adrenal cortex and ovarian theca region, with milder deposits in the Leydig cells. Our results confirm the ability of StAR lacking its mitochondrial targeting signal to perform some essential functions in vivo but also demonstrate important functional defects that differ from in vitro studies obtained in nonsteroidogenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goro Sasaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-8857, USA
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Abstract
The possession of a scrotum to contain the male gonads is a characteristic feature of almost all mammals, and appears to have evolved to allow the testes and epididymis to be exposed to a temperature a few degrees below that of core body temperature. Analysis of cryptorchid patients, and those with varicocele suggest that mild scrotal warming can be detrimental to sperm production, partly by effects on the stem cell population, and partly by effects on later stages of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. Recent studies on the effects of clothing and lifestyle emphasize that these can also lead to chronically elevated scrotal temperatures. In particular, the wearing of nappies by infants is a cause for concern in this regard. Together all of the evidence indirectly supports the view that lifestyle factors in addition to other genetic and environmental influences could be contributing to the secular trend in declining male reproductive parameters. The challenge will be to provide relevant and targeted experimental results to support or refute the currently circumstantial evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- Research Centre for Reproductive Health, and School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Abstract
Arguably the most defining moment in our lives is fertilization, the point at which we inherit either an X or a Y chromosome from our father. The profoundly different journeys of male and female life are thus decided by a genetic coin toss. These differences begin to unfold during fetal development, when the Y-chromosomal Sry ("sex-determining region Y") gene is activated in males and acts as a switch that diverts the fate of the undifferentiated gonadal primordia, the genital ridges, towards testis development. This sex-determining event sets in train a cascade of morphological changes, gene regulation, and molecular interactions that directs the differentiation of male characteristics. If this does not occur, alternative molecular cascades and cellular events drive the genital ridges toward ovary development. Once testis or ovary differentiation has occurred, our sexual fate is further sealed through the action of sex-specific gonadal hormones. We review here the molecular and cellular events (differentiation, migration, proliferation, and communication) that distinguish testis and ovary during fetal development, and the changes in gene regulation that underpin these two alternate pathways. The growing body of knowledge relating to testis development, and the beginnings of a picture of ovary development, together illustrate the complex mechanisms by which these organ systems develop, inform the etiology, diagnosis, and management of disorders of sexual development, and help define what it is to be male or female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Wilhelm
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Development and Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Beck J, Bornemann-Kolatzki K, Knorr C, Taeubert H, Brenig B. Molecular characterization and exclusion of porcine GUSB as a candidate gene for congenital hernia inguinalis/scrotalis. BMC Vet Res 2006; 2:14. [PMID: 16646965 PMCID: PMC1471780 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-2-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2005] [Accepted: 04/28/2006] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inguinal hernias are usually caused by a congenital defect, which occurs as a weakness of the inguinal canal. Porcine β-glucuronidase gene (GUSB) was chosen as functional candidate gene because of its involvement in degradation of hyaluronan within gubernacular tissue during descent of testes. Since a genome-wide linkage analysis approach has shown evidence that two regions on porcine chromosome 3 (SSC 3) are involved in the inheritance of hernia inguinalis/scrotalis in German pig breeds, GUSB also attained status as a positional candidate gene by its localization within a hernia-associated chromosomal region. Results A contig spanning 17,157 bp, which contains the entire GUSB, was assembled. Comparative sequence analyses were conducted for the GUSB gene locus. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within the coding region of GUSB were genotyped in 512 animals. Results of transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) for two out of a total of five detected SNPs gave no significant association with the outcome of hernia in pigs. Conclusion On the basis of our studies we are able to exclude the two analyzed SNPs within the porcine GUSB gene as causative for the transmission of inguinal hernia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Beck
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Kirsten Bornemann-Kolatzki
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Knorr
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Helge Taeubert
- Institute of Animal and Genetics, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Bertram Brenig
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
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Demircan M, Akinci A, Mutus M. The effects of orchiopexy on serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels in unilateral cryptorchid infants. Pediatr Surg Int 2006; 22:271-3. [PMID: 16463168 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-006-1646-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2006] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE In males, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) reflects Sertoli cell function and provides an estimate of seminiferous tubular integrity. It has been suggested that comparison of AMH levels before and after surgery could be useful to determine effectiveness of the treatment. In this study, we determined the serum AMH levels in infants with unilateral cryptorchidism before and after orchiopexy procedure and compared these data with the AMH values in age-matched controls. METHODS The study population was 20 cryptorchid children with unilateral palpable testes who underwent orchiopexy as a cryptorchid group, and 20 healthy children who underwent circumcision as a control group. All children are 12 months of age. Serum AMH levels were measured at just before surgery (at 12 month old) and 6 months after surgery (at 18 month old). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS All undescended testes were found to be normal in size and in the superficial inguinal pouch or subcutaneous region of the groin at surgery. With regard to the preoperative serum AMH levels, there was a significant difference between the cryptorchid and the control groups (40.04 +/- 4.97 ng/ml versus 53.46 +/- 7.51 ng/ml) (P < 0.05). Similarly, the postoperative serum AMH levels were lower in cryptorchid children than in controls (39.27 +/- 4.58 ng/ml versus 52.79 +/- 6.27 ng/ml) (P < 0.05). In cryptorchid children, serum AMH levels measured at 6 months after orchiopexy were similar with preoperative basal levels (40.04 +/- 4.97 ng/ml versus 39.27 +/- 4.58 ng/ml) (P > 0.05). AMH levels in children with unilateral palpable undescended testes remain unchanged 6 months after orchiopexy performed at 1 year of age. This is the first report in literature regarding the effect of orchiopexy on the serum AMH levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Demircan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, T. Ozal Medical Center, Medical School of Inönü University, 44280 Malatya, Turkey.
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McGlynn KA, Graubard BI, Nam JM, Stanczyk FZ, Longnecker MP, Klebanoff MA. Maternal hormone levels and risk of cryptorchism among populations at high and low risk of testicular germ cell tumors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2005; 14:1732-7. [PMID: 16030109 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-05-0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchism is one of the few well-described risk factors for testicular cancer. It has been suggested that both conditions are related to increased in utero estrogen exposure. The evidence supporting the "estrogen hypothesis" has been inconsistent, however. An alternative hypothesis suggests that higher in utero androgen exposure may protect against the development of cryptorchism and testicular cancer. In order to examine both hypotheses, we studied maternal hormone levels in two populations at diverse risks of testicular cancer; Black Americans (low-risk) and White Americans (high-risk). The study population of 200 mothers of cryptorchid sons and 200 mothers of noncryptorchid sons was nested within the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a cohort study of pregnant women and their children. Third trimester serum levels of estradiol (total, free, bioavailable), estriol, testosterone (total, free, bioavailable), sex hormone-binding globulin, alpha-fetoprotein, and the ratios of estradiols to testosterones were compared between the case and control mothers. The results found no significant differences in the levels of testosterone (total, free, bioavailable), alpha-fetoprotein, sex hormone-binding globulin, or in the ratios of estrogens to androgens. Total estradiol, however, was significantly lower in the cases versus the controls (P = 0.03) among all mothers and, separately, among White mothers (P = 0.05). Similarly, estriol was significantly lower among all cases (P = 0.05) and among White cases (P = 0.05). These results do not support either the estrogen or the androgen hypothesis. Rather, lower estrogens in case mothers may indicate that a placental defect increases the risk of cryptorchism and, possibly, testicular cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, 6120 Executive Boulevard, EPS-7060, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
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Zuccarello D, Morini E, Douzgou S, Ferlin A, Pizzuti A, Salpietro DC, Foresta C, Dallapiccola B. Preliminary data suggest that mutations in the CgRP pathway are not involved in human sporadic cryptorchidism. J Endocrinol Invest 2004; 27:760-4. [PMID: 15636430 DOI: 10.1007/bf03347519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In testicular descent to the scrotum, a multistep process, many anatomical and hormonal factors play a role. Cryptorchidism occurs in about 1-2% of males and may cause secondary degeneration of the testes. Animal models have shown that abnormalities, in the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CgRP) activity, could be relevant in the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism. We performed a mutation screening by PCR exon amplification, single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and sequencing in four candidate genes, CgRPs (alphaCgRP, betaCgRP), their receptor (CgRPR) and the receptor component protein (CgRP-RCP), in 90 selected cases of idiopathic unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism. Mutation screening of the coding regions and intron-exon boundaries revealed some polymorphic variants but no pathogenic sequence changes. These preliminary data suggest that these genes are not major factors for cryptorchidism in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Zuccarello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Measurements were made on 86 male bovine fetuses collected from abattoirs in the vicinity of Sydney, Australia. The fetal body length was used to calculate the approximate day of gestational age (DGA); most fetuses were between 60 and 150 DGA. The distances from the caudal pole of the kidney (metanephros) to, respectively, the tip of the scrotum, the distal end of the testis and the internal ring of the inguinal canal were measured, as well as the dimensions of the testis and gubernaculum testis. Distances of (1) testis to inguinal canal, (2) inguinal canal to scrotum, (3) testis to scrotum and (4) gubernaculum to scrotum were calculated from these measurements, which were made on both left and right sides. The total length of the gubernaculum testis increased during transabdominal passage and during transinguinal passage of the testis. Furthermore, the gubernaculum appeared to maintain the testis at a relatively fixed distance from the scrotum during transabdominal passage so that the inguinal canal appeared to move towards the testis. The greatest distance between the testis and the tip of the scrotum was found during the transinguinal passage of the testis and was 2.8 cm for the left testis and 2.3 cm for the right. When located within the scrotum, each testis was still 1.6-1.7 cm from the tip of the scrotum, so the distance to be traversed was only 0.6-1.2 cm. Following passage of the testis through the inguinal canal, the gubernaculum became shorter and its distal tip was displaced toward the distal end of the scrotum. Traction by the gubernaculum could account for the final transposition of the testis from the external inguinal ring to the scrotum. Other factors involved in displacement of the testis include differential growth patterns as well as increases in the dimensions of the testis itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Edwards
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Coveney D, Shaw G, Hutson JM, Renfree MB. The development of the gubernaculum and inguinal closure in the marsupial Macropus eugenii. J Anat 2002; 201:239-56. [PMID: 12363275 PMCID: PMC1570914 DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-7580.2002.00087.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2002] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reports the developmental anatomy of testicular descent and inguinal closure of the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) from birth to maturity. In females the ovary migrated caudally between days 10 and 20 after birth. The gubernaculum differentiates into the round ligament in the abdomen and extra-abdominally as the ilio-marsupialis muscle of the mammary glands. In males the testes migrated to the internal inguinal ring by day 20 post partum (pp), coinciding with the enlargement of the gubernaculum, and from the internal inguinal ring to the scrotum between days 20 and 65 pp. During descent there was an increase in the hyaluronic acid concentration in cells of the gubernaculum and scrotum. Development of the cremaster muscle began by day 10 pp on the periphery of the gubernaculum and its basic structure was completed by day 60 pp. After descent the inguinal canal closed between days 50 and 60 pp, but a small irregular lumen persisted, somewhat similar to that seen in the congenital scrotal hydrocoele of humans. Tammars have a hopping mode of locomotion and, like humans, are essentially bipedal. We suggest that inguinal closure evolved in these two species because their upright posture may otherwise lead to a high incidence of inguinal hernias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Coveney
- Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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