Effects of Varicocele Repair on Testicular Endocrine Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: The objective of this manuscript is to assess the effect of varicocele repair (VR) in patients with clinical varicoceles on serum total testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin B serum levels.

Materials And Methods: The study was performed in compliance with the Meta-Analysis and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies (MOOSE) guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). All eligible studies were selected following the PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison/Comparator, Outcomes, Study design) model.

Predictability of varicocele repair success: preliminary results of a machine learning-based approach.

Varicocele is a prevalent condition in the infertile male population. However, to date, which patients may benefit most from varicocele repair is still a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether certain preintervention sperm parameters are predictive of successful varicocele repair, defined as an improvement in total motile sperm count (TMSC).

Impact of Varicocele on Testicular Oxidative Stress and Sperm Parameters in Experimental Animals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: Varicocele has been associated with high seminal oxidative stress (OS), impaired semen quality, and reduced male fertility potential. However, the exact mechanism(s) underlying the development of varicocele-mediated infertility and the cause-effect relationship between varicocele and testicular dysfunction are not fully understood. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) is to investigate the impact of varicocele on testicular OS markers and sperm parameters in experimental animals with varicocele as compared to animals without varicocele.

Impact of Antioxidant Therapy on Natural Pregnancy Outcomes and Semen Parameters in Infertile Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Purpose: Seminal oxidative stress (OS) is a recognized factor potentially associated with male infertility, but the efficacy of antioxidant (AOX) therapy is controversial and there is no consensus on its utility. Primary outcomes of this study were to investigate the effect of AOX on spontaneous clinical pregnancy, live birth and miscarriage rates in male infertile patients. Secondary outcomes were conventional semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and seminal OS.

Consensus and Diversity in the Management of Varicocele for Male Infertility: Results of a Global Practice Survey and Comparison with Guidelines and Recommendations.

Purpose: Varicocele is a common problem among infertile men. Varicocele repair (VR) is frequently performed to improve semen parameters and the chances of pregnancy. However, there is a lack of consensus about the diagnosis, indications for VR and its outcomes.

The Investigative Role of Statins in Ameliorating Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS): A Systematic Review.

Previous data have shown that patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) could be refractory to the medical treatment. In this context, the evidence suggests a role for statin use in LUTS/BPE patients. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of statins on the treatment of men with LUTS/BPE.

Impact of BMI on Preoperative Axillary Ultrasound Assessment in Patients With Early Breast Cancer.

Background: The accuracy of axillary ultrasound (AUS) with fine-needle aspiration with varying patient body mass index (BMI) is still unclear. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the US features of axillary lymph nodes changes with BMI of patients.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review was performed involving 144 out of 270 patients with early breast cancer who underwent breast surgery with sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Pharmacological treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia: consequences on sexual function and possible endocrine effects.

Introduction: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most prevalent diseases in aging men. It may adversely affect quality-of-life due to the presence of low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and its effects on sexuality.

Areas Covered: The impact of α1-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARI), and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE-5i) on erectile and ejaculatory functions in men with BPH are covered.

From Spermiogram to Bio-Functional Sperm Parameters: When and Why Request Them?

The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate whether infertile patients may benefit from the evaluation of bio-functional sperm parameters in addition to the conventional semen analysis. To accomplish this, we evaluated the correlation between conventional and bio-functional sperm parameters based on their percentile distribution in search of a potential threshold of these latter that associates with conventional sperm parameter abnormalities. The study was conducted on 577 unselected patients with infertility lasting at least 12 months.

Testicular Function of Childhood Cancer Survivors: Who Is Worse?

Background: A multi-disciplinary approach has led to an improvement in prognosis of childhood cancers. However, in parallel with the increase in survival rate, there is a greater occurrence of long-term toxicity related to antineoplastic treatment. Hypogonadism and infertility are among the most frequent endocrinological sequelae in young adult childhood cancer survivors.

Smoking and diabetes: dangerous liaisons and confusing relationships.

The combined harmful effects of cigarette smoking and hyperglycemia can accelerate vascular damage in patients with diabetes who smoke, as is well known. Can smoking cause diabetes? What are the effects of smoking on macro and microvascular complications? Now growing evidence indicates that regular smokers are at risk of developing incident diabetes. Since the prevalence rates of smoking in patients with diabetes are relatively similar to those of the general population, it is essential to address the main modifiable risk factor of smoking to prevent the onset of diabetes and delay the development of its complications.

High rate of detection of ultrasound signs of prostatitis in patients with HPV-DNA persistence on semen: role of ultrasound in HPV-related male accessory gland infection.

Background: Papillomavirus (HPV) often occurs in the semen of patients with male accessory gland infection (MAGI). Ultrasound (US) evaluation has been suggested as a promising diagnostic tool for patients with HPV-related MAGI. No data on the spontaneous clearance of HPV-DNA have been reported so far in HPV-related MAGI.

Effects of Varicocele Treatment on Sperm Conventional Parameters: Surgical Varicocelectomy Versus Sclerotherapy.

Introduction: Varicocele is often associated with impaired sperm parameters. Different procedures have been developed for varicocele treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of varicocele treatment on conventional sperm parameters.

Consequences on aging process and human wellness of generation of nitrogen and oxygen species during strenuous exercise.

Impairment of antioxidant defense system and increase in metabolic rate and production of reactive oxygen species have been demonstrated in strenuous exercise. Both at rest and during contractile activity, skeletal muscle generates a very complex set of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species; the main generated are superoxide and nitric oxide. The nature of the contractile activity influences the pattern and the magnitude of this reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS) generation.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia and intraprostatic inflammation are associated with liver inflammation: it's time for prevention.

Some evidences have supported the link between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and inflammation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between prostatic inflammation (PI) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) evaluated by a non-invasive scores in a cohort of patients affected by BPH/LUTS. Between January 2012 and January 2016, we conducted a prospective study in a single academic outpatient clinic on 132 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

Human papillomavirus and risk of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is growing evidence showing a putative association between high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection and an increased risk of PCa. The aim of the current meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between HPV infection and PCa risk. This analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines.