Mapping the chromothripsis landscape in urothelial carcinoma unravels great intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity.

Chromothripsis, a hallmark of cancer, is characterized by extensive and localized DNA rearrangements involving one or a few chromosomes. However, its genome-wide frequency and characteristics in urothelial carcinoma (UC) remain largely unknown. Here, by analyzing single-regional and multi-regional whole-genome sequencing (WGS), we present the chromothripsis blueprint in 488 UC patients.

The effects of regular exercise on cognitive and cardiometabolic health in testicular cancer survivors subjected to platinum-based chemotherapy.

Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy provides curative treatment to more than 95% of patients with testicular germ cell tumor but it has negative cardiometabolic and neurological effects. Regular exercise can alleviate late chemotherapy-related toxicities. We examined the impact of a 6-month supervised aerobic-strength training on cognitive and cardiometabolic health and residual level of platinum in cancer survivors.

Fractional CO Laser and Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata, A Comparative Study.

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the hair follicles and sometimes the nails. It usually presents as a single or multiple patches of hair loss on the scalp, but any hair-bearing skin can be involved. AA treatment depends on the severity and extent of the disease.

Novel biallelic MCMDC2 variants were associated with meiotic arrest and nonobstructive azoospermia.

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), one of the most severe types of male infertility, etiology often remains unclear in most cases. Therefore, this study aimed to detect four biallelic detrimental variants (0.5%) in the minichromosome maintenance domain containing 2 (MCMDC2) genes in 768 NOA patients by whole-exome sequencing (WES).

Autophagy Associated Genes (ARGs) -Based Predictive Model AIDPS for Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in men worldwide. Autophagy-related genes (ARGs) may play an important role in various biological processes of PCa. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate autophagy-related features to predict clinical outcomes in patients with PCa.

Machine learning algorithms for predicting delayed hyponatremia after transsphenoidal surgery for patients with pituitary adenoma.

This study aimed to develop and validate machine learning (ML) models to predict the occurrence of delayed hyponatremia after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma. We retrospectively collected clinical data on patients with pituitary adenomas treated with transsphenoidal surgery between January 2010 and December 2020. From January 2021 to December 2022, patients with pituitary adenomas were prospectively enrolled.

Integrated Network Pharmacology and Transcriptomics Analysis to Elucidate the Mechanism of Huoxue Tongluo Qiwei Decoction in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats through Angii-Activated Pkcε Pathway.

Background And Aim: As a classical formula to invigorate blood circulation, Huoxue Tongluo Qiwei Decoction (HTQD) can effectively treat hypertensive erectile dysfunction (ED), but its exact mechanism of action is not yet clear. The goal of this research was to explore the potential mechanism of HTQD in improving hypertensive erectile dysfunction in rats through transcriptomics, network pharmacology, and associated animal experimentations.

Methods: The HTQD chemical constituents were screened using high-performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS).

Genetic Underpinnings of Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is a frequent but severe type of male infertility. As one of the most multifaceted male infertility resulting from sperm problems, its genetic etiology remains unknown in most cases. In this review, we systematically sort out the latest literature on clinical reports and animal models leading to OAT, summarise the expression profiles of causative genes for OAT, and highlight the important role of the protein transport system during spermiogenesis, spermatid cell-specific genes, Golgi and acrosome-related genes, manchette-related genes, HTCA-related genes, and axoneme-related genes in OAT development.

Introduction to androgenetics: terminology, approaches, and impactful studies across 60 years.

Across six decades, androgenetics has consistently concentrated on discovering genetic causes and enhancing the molecular diagnostics of male infertility, disorders of sex development, and their broader implications on health, such as cancer and other comorbidities. Despite vast clinical knowledge, the training of andrologists often lacks fundamental basics in medical genetics. This work, as part of the Special Issue of Andrology "Genetics in Andrology", provides the core terminology in medical genetics and technological advancements in genomics, required to understand the ever-progressing research in the field.

Sulfur dioxide (SO) donors, a new gasotransmitter, improve erectile dysfunction after castration in a rat model.

Background: Androgen deprivation is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). In different animal models, sulfur dioxide (SO) donors NaSO and NaHSO reduced oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammation which contribute to the pathogenesis of androgen deprivation-induced ED, however the effect of SO donors on ED in castrated rats were not known.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of SO donors, NaSO/NaHSO, on ED in castrated rat model.

A recurrent loss-of-function variant in DRC1 causes non-syndromic severe asthenozoospermia with favorable intracytoplasmic sperm injection and pregnancy outcomes.

Background: Asthenozoospermia, characterized by reduced sperm motility, is a common cause of male infertility. Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) represent a severe and genetically heterogeneous form of asthenozoospermia. Over 50 genes have been associated, but approximately half of MMAF cases remain unexplained.

6-Nitrodopamine is an endogenous mediator of rat seminal vesicles contractility.

Background: 6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) released from rat vas deferens acts an endogenous modulator of vas deferens contractility.

Objectives: To investigate whether rat isolated seminal vesicles (RISV) releases 6-ND, the mechanisms involved in the release, and the modulatory role of 6-ND on tissue contractility.

Methods: Rat seminal vesicles were removed and placed in Krebs-Henseleit's solution at 37°C for 30 min, and an aliquot was used to analyze the concentrations of 6-ND, dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

HnRNPM modulates alternative splicing in germ cells by recruiting PTBP1.

Background: Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M (HnRNPM) is a key splicing factor involved in various biological processes, including the epithelial‒mesenchymal transition and cancer development. Alternative splicing is widely involved in the process of spermatogenesis. However, the function of hnRNPM as a splicing factor during spermatogenesis remains unknown.

Mechanism of Traditional Chinese medicine extract in the treatment of diabetic erectile dysfunction.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Diabetic erectile dysfunction (DED) is a prevalent but often overlooked microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with strong associations to cardiovascular disease. The pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction (ED) in T2DM patients is more intricate than in non-diabetic individuals, likely involving multiple pathogenic mechanisms such as endothelial dysfunction, vascular alterations, neuropathy, and oxidative stress. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long been utilized in the management of DED, drawing on an extensive body of clinical experience.

Diminished DNA binding affinity of DMRT1 caused by heterozygous DM domain mutations is a cause of male infertility.

The most severe form of male infertility is idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), a complete sperm absence in the ejaculate. We performed exome sequencing in the Croatian infertile brothers with NOA and found a variant in DMRT1 (Doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1) gene that was further assessed by the EMSA assay and molecular dynamic simulations. We additionally screened for DMRT1 mutations in 1940 infertile men diagnosed with spermatogenic failure, 644 normozoospermic controls, and 105 females with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) recruited to the GEnetics of Male INfertility Initiative (GEMINI) or Estonian Andrology (ESTAND) cohorts.

Sperm recovery from urine in men with retrograde ejaculation.

Introduction: Retrograde ejaculation (RE) consists of the reflux backwards, towards the bladder, of the ejaculate, during the emission phase of ejaculation, causing a total or partial absence of sperm emission, with the consequent diversion of semen into the bladder during the emission phase of ejaculation. Evaluating the ejaculate may not be sufficient for identifying RE in some patients. Hence, the management of infertility may involve the use of invasive methods such as epididymal fluid retrieval or testicular biopsy.

Efficacy of Hongjing I granule, an herbal medicine, in patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction in a randomized controlled trial.

Background: HJIG is a potential treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) that has been used in China for over 20 years. We conducted a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Chinese Herbal Medicine, Hongjing I granule (HJIG), in patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods: This study is structured as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, executed across multiple centers.

Breaking the silence - systematic review of the socio-cultural underpinnings of men's sexual and reproductive health in Middle East and North Africa (MENA): A handful of taboos?

Background: Sociocultural aspects can impact sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Despite this, no study appraised the socio-cultural underpinnings impacting men's SRH in MENA (Middle East and North Africa). The current systematic review undertook this task.

Does age matter? Impact of age on testicular function and pregnancy outcomes following microsurgical varicocelectomy in patients with grade 3 varicocele.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of age on semen and hormonal parameters following microsurgical varicocelectomy among patients with grade 3 varicocele, and to compare fertility outcomes between younger (<40 years) and older (≥40 years) men.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study of infertile patients with clinical left grade 3 varicocele who underwent microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy (MV). Patients meeting the inclusion criteria ( = 550) were divided into two groups based on their age at the time of MV: <40 ( = 441) and ≥40 years ( = 109).

Genome-based development and clinical evaluation of a customized LAMP panel to rapidly detect, quantify, and determine antibiotic sensitivity of Escherichia coli in native urine samples from urological patients.

Purpose: We designed and tested a point of care test panel to detect E.coli and antibiotic susceptibility in urine samples from patients at the point of care in the urological department. The aim of this approach is to facilitate choosing an appropriate antibiotic for urinary tract infections (UTI) at first presentation in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance in uropathogens worldwide.

Technological innovation and revolution with single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes: a review from section of EAU Endourology.

Purpose Of Review: Numerous scope-related innovations have taken place in the field of endourology. The presented analytical review is aimed at studying the technical innovations of the single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes. In November 2024, a comprehensive search was done for information on latest disposable flexible digital ureteroscopes, as well as their various unique characteristics.

Triptolide Causes Spermatogenic Disorders by Inducing Apoptosis in the Mitochondrial Pathway of Mouse Testicular Spermatocytes.

Triptolide (TP) is a diterpenoid compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Tripterygium wilfordii. It has antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects and stimulates immunity. However, its serious side effects, especially reproductive toxicity, limit its clinical application.

Precision Oncology Approach for Urachal Carcinoma: A Clinical Case Report.

Urachal cancer (UrC) is a rare disease which is mostly diagnosed late due to symptoms caused by its local invasion to the urinary bladder. Given the lack of clinical trials and guideline recommendations for systemic treatment, a molecularly informed precision oncology approach is a viable option for UrC already in the early lines of systemic treatment. While single case experiences may provide valuable reference for later decision-making, well-documented clinical experience with off-label targeted treatments is limited to a few patients.

Human Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology.

One of the biggest problems facing modern medicine is infertility [...