• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.78-88
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• 2016

Purpose: To identify the clinical characteristics of SRY-negative male patients and genes related to male sex reversal, we performed a retrospective study using cases of 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development with a review of the literature. Materials and Methods:SRY-negative cases of 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development referred for cytogenetic analysis from 1983 to 2013 were examined using clinical findings, seminal analyses, basal hormone profiles, conventional cytogenetic analysis and polymerase chain reaction. Results: Chromosome analysis of cultured peripheral blood cells of 8,386 individuals found 19 cases (0.23%) with 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development. The SRY gene was confirmed to be absent in three of these 19 cases (15.8%). Conclusion: We report three rare cases of SRY-negative 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development. Genes on autosomes and the X chromosome that may have a role in sex determination were deduced through a literature review. These genes, through differences in gene dosage variation, may have a role in sex reversal in the absence of SRY.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.187-192
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• 1997

The survival rate and motility recovered after cryopreservation of testicular spermatozoa in testicular sperm extraction (TESE)-ICSI program is low. The purpose of this study was to assess the availability and efficiency of mouse empty zona pellucida in cryopreserving human TESE spermatozoa. Mouse empty zonae pellucidae were obtained by extraction of cytoplasm with or without cytochalasin B treatment. Motile sperm from proven-fertile donor and two azoospermic patients after TESE were individually inserted into empty zona pellucida and cryopreserved. Two to five days after cyropreservation, the frozen sperm were thawed and the rates of recovery and motility were observed. The ooplasmic extraction rates of control (N=80) and cytochalasin B treated oocytes (N=80) were 94.0% and 96.2%, respectively (p>0.05). The post-thaw recovery rates of spermatozoa and rates of motility recovery of ejaculate (N=70) and testicular (N=70) sperm were 97.1%, 97.1% and 95.7%, 94.3%, respectively (p>0.05). The results of this study showed that the mouse zone pellucida is useful for cryostorage of single testicular spermatozoa.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.916-922
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether Korean medicine could improve unilateral testicular pain caused by recurrent varicocele without unfavorable side effects. Methods: A 46-year-old man diagnosed with varicocele, identified with a scrotal ultrasound scan, had right-side testicular pain. We administered Banchong-san and Eunhoebanchong-san to observe changes in the degree of pain. Results: After one month of taking Banchong-san and Eunhoebanchong-san, testicular pain improved. Conclusion: This study suggests that Korean medicine might be effective for managing testicular pain caused by varicocele.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.53-59
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• 2021

Background: There are no guidelines for the optimal incubation time or temperature to improve pregnancy outcomes in testicular sperm extraction-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (TESE-ICSI) cycles. We aimed to evaluate whether a 24-hour in vitro culture of testicular spermatozoa affects pregnancy outcomes in TESE-ICSI cycles. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 83 TESE-ICSI cycles using testicular spermatozoa in 46 couples with male partners suffering from nonobstructive or obstructive azoospermia. Sperm retrieval was performed either on the oocyte retrieval (OR) day (65 cycles in 33 couples; group A) or on the day before OR (18 cycles in 13 couples; group B) followed by in vitro culture for 24 hours. The clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes, including the number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization rates, embryo transfer rates, implantation and clinical pregnancy rates, were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no differences in terms of clinical characteristics except for the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in males. Group B had higher LH levels than group A (4.56±1.24 IU/L vs. 3.67±1.07 IU/L, p= 0.017). Group B showed higher fertilization rate (72.4%±32.1% vs. 59.2%±21.7%, p=0.045), implantation rate (35.0%±34.1% vs. 14.0%±21.5%, p=0.010), pregnancy rate per cycle (80% vs. 39%, p=0.033), and clinical pregnancy rate per cycle (80% vs. 37.5%, p=0.024) than those of group A. Conclusion: Testicular sperm retrieval performed on the day before OR followed by in vitro culture can potentially improve pregnancy outcomes.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.3 s.70
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• pp.387-396
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• 2005

The aims of the study were to establish a short-term screening test for detecting testicular toxicity of chemicals in rats and to determine whether a 2-week administration period is sufficient to detect testicular toxicity of 2-bromopropane (2-BP) as an example. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subcutaneously administered with 1000 mg/kg/day of 2-BP or its vehicle for 2 weeks. Ten male rats each were sacrificed on days 3, 7 and 14 after the initiation of treatment. Parameters of testicular toxicity included genital organ weights, testicular sperm head counts, epididymal sperm counts, motility and morphology, and qualitative and quantitative histopathologic examinations. The early histopathological changes observed on day 3 of treatment included degeneration of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, multinuclear giant cells, mature spermatid retention, vacuolization of Sertoli cells, and decreased number of spermatogonia in stages II and V. On day 7 of treatment, atrophy of seminiferous tubules, exfoliation of germ cells, degeneration of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, multinuclear giant cells, mature spermatid retention, vacuolization of Sertoli cells, decreased number of spermatogonia in stages II and V, and decreased number of spermatocytes in stages VII and XII. On day 14 after treatment, a significant decrease in the weights of testes and seminal vesicles was found. Atrophy of seminiferous tubules, exfoliation of germ cells, degeneration of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, mature spermatid retention, vacuolization of Sertoli cells, decreased number of spermatogonia in stages II and V, and decreased number of spermatocytes in all spermatogenic stages were also observed. In addition, a slight non-significant decrease in testicular sperm head counts, daily sperm production rate and epididymal sperm counts was found. The results showed that 2 weeks of treatment is sufficient to detect the adverse effects of 2-BP on male reproductive organs. It is considered that the short-term testicular toxicity study established in this study can be a useful tool for screening the testicular toxic potential of new drug candidates in rats.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.80 no.4
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• pp.385-391
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• 2017

Background: Men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, have reduced endogenous testosterone levels, but the relationship between pulmonary function and endogenous testosterone levels, is inconsistent. Testicular volume is a known indicator of endogenous testosterone levels, male fertility, and male potency. In the present study, the authors investigated the relationship, between testicular volume and lung function. Methods: One hundred and eighty-one South Korean men age 40-70, hospitalized for urological surgery, were retrospectively enrolled, irrespective of the presence of respiratory disease. Study subjects underwent pulmonary function testing, prior to procedures, and testicular volumes were measured by orchidometry. Testosterone levels of patients in blood samples collected between $7{\small{AM}}$ and $11{\small{AM}}$, were measured by a direct chemiluminescent immunoassay. Results: The 181 study subjects were divided into two groups, by testicular volume (${\geq}35mL$ vs. <35 mL), the larger testes group, had better lung functions (forced vital capacity [FVC]: $3.87{\pm}0.65L$ vs. $3.66{\pm}0.65L$, p=0.037; forced expiratory volume in 1 second [$FEV_1$]: $2.92{\pm}0.57L$ vs. $2.65{\pm}0.61L$, p=0.002; FVC % predicted: $98.2{\pm}15.2%$ vs. $93.8{\pm}13.1%$, p=0.040; $FEV_1$ % predicted: $105.4{\pm}19.5%$ vs. $95.9{\pm}21.2%$, p=0.002). In addition, the proportion of patients with a $FEV_1/FVC$ of <70%, was lower in the larger testes group. Univariate analysis conducted using linear regression models, revealed that testicular volume was correlated with FVC (r=0.162, p=0.029), $FEV_1$ (r=0.218, p=0.003), $FEV_1/FVC$ (r=0.149, p=0.046), and $FEV_1$ % predicted (r=0.178, p=0.017), and multivariate analysis using linear regression models, revealed that testicular volume was a significant predictive factor for $FEV_1$ % predicted (${\beta}=0.159$, p=0.041). Conclusion: Larger testicular volume was independently associated, with favorable indices of lung function. These results suggest that androgens, may contribute to better lung function.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2010

Purpose : To evaluate the specific radiologic findings of testicular lymphoma which will be able to differentiated from other testicular tumors. Materials and Methods : Pathologically confirmed eight cases were included in this study. All eight cases were performed ultrasonography and four cases were performed magnetic resonance image. On ultrasonography, the size, location, shape, margin, internal echogenicity, homogeneity and vascularity were evaluated. On magnetic resonance image, the shape, margin, homogeneity, signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images, degree and homogeneity of the contrast enhancement and contrast enhancement change on dynamic enhancement study. Results : The margin of the mass was smooth on 6 of 8 patients. Internal echogenicity of the mass lesion was hypoechoic than normal testicular parenchyme on 7 of 8 patients. Four cases were homogeneous, 3 cases were relatively homogeneous and 1 case was heterogeneous. All 8 cases showed increased vascularity. The mass lesion was iso-signal intensity on T1-weighted image and low-signal intensity on T2-weighted image. All four cases were enhanced homogeneously and mildly than enhancing normal testicular parenchyme. On dynamic enhancement study, the mass lesion is progressively enhanced with time. Conclusion : The possibility of testicular lymphoma should be considered when testicular mass was homogeneously hypoechoic and low signal intensity on T2-weighted image in old age patients.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.425-438
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• 1997

To assess the testicular toxicity induced by DA-125, a new anthracycline anticancer agent, the test substance was intraveneously administered to male beagle dogs at dose levels of 0, 0.0023, 0.0375, 0.15, and 0.6 mg/kg/day, 6 days a week for 26 weeks. At 0.6 mg/kg/day, 1 out of 3 dogs had died on day 42 of treatment and the other dogs were sacrificed on days 46 and 122 of treatment due to the increasingly severe clinical condition. Clinical signs considered to be related to treatment were included anorexia, vomiting, salivation, decreased activity, mucous and/or dark faeces, diarrhea, and swelling, abscess and/or ulceration of injection sites. Suppression in body weight gain, reduction in food intake, decreases in testicular weight and size, and hemorrhage of epididymis were also observed in male dogs. Microscopically, severe degenerative changes such as atrophy of seminiferous tubules, loss of germ cells, degeneration of germ cells, vacuolization of Sertoli cells, and hyperplasia of Leydig cells were observed in all dogs. Azoospermia in epididymal tubules, atrophy of epithelia in the cauda epididymis, and prostate atrophy were also found. At 0.15 mg/kg/day, anorexia, vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, and swelling of injection sites were observed. In addition, suppression in body weight gain and decreases in testicular weight and size were found in male dogs. Atrophy of seminiferous tubules, decrease of germ cells, degeneration, exfoliation and retention of germ cells, vacuolization of Sertoli cells, and hyperplasia of Leydig cells were observed by histopathological examination. Azoospermia in epididymal tubules and prostate atrophy were also found. At 0.0375 mg/kg/day, there were no clinical signs considered to be indicative of a reaction to treatment, but testicular size was significantly reduced. Microscopically, decreases in the number of spermatogonia and epidydimal speramtozoa were found. There were no evidences of general or testicular toxicity at 0.0023 mg/kg/day. These results indicate that DA-125 produces significant and persistent damage to the spermatogenic compartments of the testes in male beagle dogs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.11
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• pp.1554-1561
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• 2014

Present study analyzed the changes in peripheral blood testosterone concentrations and testicular cytogram in relation to age and semen quality in crossbred males. Three different age groups of crossbred males viz. bull calves (6 months, n = 5), young bulls (15 months, n = 5) and adult bulls (4 to 6 years, n = 8) were utilized for the study. Testicular fine needle aspiration cytology technique was used to quantify testicular cytology and their indices. Peripheral blood testosterone concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Semen samples collected from adult bulls were microscopically evaluated for quality parameters. Mean peripheral blood testosterone concentrations in bull calves, young bulls and adult bulls were $2.28{\pm}0.09ng/mL$, $1.42{\pm}0.22ng/mL$ and $5.66{\pm}1.08ng/mL$ respectively, and that in adult bulls were significantly different (p<0.01) from young bulls and bull calves. There was no significant difference between the proportion of different testicular cells in bull calves and young bulls. Between young and adult bulls, significant differences (p<0.01) were observed in the proportion of spermatocytes, spermatozoa, and sperm: Sertoli cell ratio. The proportions of Sertoli cells showed a significant difference (p<0.01) between the three age groups. The number of primary spermatocytes had a positive correlation with peripheral blood testosterone concentrations in bull calves (r = 0.719, p<0.01). Number of Sertoli cells per 100 germ cells was negatively correlated with blood testosterone concentration in young bulls (r = -0.713, p<0.01). Among different semen parameters in adult bulls, ejaculate volume (r = 0.790, p<0.05) had positive relationship, and sperm motility had significant negative correlation (r = -0.711, p<0.05) with testosterone concentrations. The number of Sertoli cells and Sertoli cell index had a positive correlation with various semen quality parameters (p<0.001). Results of the present study conclude that number of Sertoli cells and Sertoli cell index are good indicators of semen quality, but peripheral blood testosterone concentrations may not have a direct relationship with various seminal attributes in crossbred bulls.

• Journal of electromagnetic engineering and science
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.142-150
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• 2015

Several reports supported that continuous exposure to 60 Hz magnetic field (MF) induces testicular germ cell apoptosis in vivo. We recently evaluated duration- and dose-dependent effects of continuous exposure to a 60 Hz MF on the testes in mice. BALB/c male mice were exposed to a 60 Hz MF at $100{\mu}T$ for 24 hours a day for 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks, and at 2, 20 or $200{\mu}T$ for 24 hours a day for 8 weeks. To induce the apoptosis of testicular germ cell in mice, the minimum dose is $20{\mu}T$ at continuous exposure to a 60 Hz MF for 8 weeks, and the minimum duration is 6 weeks at continuous exposure of $100{\mu}T$. Continuous exposure to a 60 Hz MF might affect duration- and dose-dependent biological processes including apoptotic cell death and spermatogenesis in the male reproductive system of mice. The safety guideline of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) indicates that the permissible maximum magnetic flux density for general public exposure is $200{\mu}T$ at 60 Hz EMF (ICNIRP Guidelines, 2010). In the present study, we aimed to examine the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes regulated by the continuous exposure to 60 Hz at $200{\mu}T$ in Sprague-Dawley rats for 20 weeks. The continuous exposure to 60 Hz at $200{\mu}T$ does not affect the body and testicular weight in rats. However, exposure to 60 Hz MF significantly affects testicular germ cell apoptosis and sperm count. Further, the apoptosis-related gene was scrutinized after exposure to 60 Hz at $200{\mu}T$ for 20 weeks. We found that the message level of endonuclease G (EndoG) was greatly increased following the exposure to 60 Hz at $200{\mu}T$ compared with sham control. These data suggested that 60 Hz magnetic field induced testicular germ cell apoptosis through mitochondrial protein Endo G.