The environment and male reproductive system: the potential role and underlying mechanisms of cadmium in testis cancer.

Cadmium is a known human carcinogen, and has been shown to profoundly affect male reproductive function, at multiple levels, by exerting both endocrine and non-endocrine actions. Nevertheless, the potential role of cadmium in the etiology of testis cancer has been scantly investigated in humans, and, currently, available epidemiological observational studies are insufficient to draw definitive conclusions in this regard. On the contrary, experimental studies in laboratory animals demonstrated that cadmium is a strong inducer of testis tumors, mostly represented by benign Leydig cell adenoma; moreover, malignant transformation was also reported in few animals, following cadmium treatment.

Seminal cadmium affects human sperm motility through stable binding to the cell membrane.

Environmental pollutants are claimed to be major factors involved in the progressive decline of the fertility rate worldwide. Exposure to the heavy metal Cadmium (Cd) has been associated with reproductive toxicity due to its ionic mimicry. However, the possible direct accumulation of Cd in human sperm cells has been poorly investigated.

Characterization of telomere length in Agerolese cattle breed, correlating blood and milk samples.

Studies into telomere length in cattle are relatively recent and have focused mainly on the Holstein Friesian cattle breed, making it arduous to evaluate the correlation with ageing due to the early age of culling in this breed. Telomere length provides information about the productive lifespan and the quality of farm management, complying with the 'One Health' approach. This study evaluated telomere length in Agerolese cattle, an autochthonous dairy breed characterized by a long productive lifespan (13 years).

Long-term high-dose L-arginine supplementation in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Purpose: The current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial addressed the effects on penile erectile function of relatively high daily oral doses (6 g/day) of L-ARG for 3 months (N = 51) compared to placebo (N = 47), in patients with vasculogenic ED, with comparison between mild-moderate and severe vasculogenic ED.

Methods: The outcome measures included IIEF-6 score and cavernous arteries peak systolic flow velocity (PSV) at dynamic penile duplex ultrasonography (PDU).

Results: L-ARG supplementation for 3 months significantly increased IIEF-6 score in the overall cohort (p < 0.

Sperm Global DNA Methylation (SGDM) in Semen of Healthy Dogs.

Male infertility is an emerging problem in both humans and animals, and the knowledge of its causes is the first step to identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In humans, alteration of sperm DNA methylation have been related to poor quality semen, impaired seminal parameters, azoospermia and reduced fertility. Although semen analysis is routinely used to evaluate the male reproductive potential in the canine species, no authors have attempted to relate semen characteristics to the sperm global DNA methylation (SGDM).