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Stimulation of sympathetic nerves in the vas deferens yields biphasic contractions consisting of a rapid transient component resulting from activation of P2X1 receptors by ATP and a secondary sustained component mediated by activation of α1-adrenoceptors by noradrenaline. Noradrenaline can also potentiate the ATP-dependent contractions of the vas deferens, but the mechanisms underlying this effect are unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying potentiation of transient contractions of the vas deferens induced by activation of α1-adrenoceptors. Contractions of the mouse vas deferens were induced by electric field stimulation (EFS). Delivery of brief (1s duration) pulses (4 Hz) yielded transient contractions that were inhibited tetrodotoxin (100 nM) and guanethidine (10 µM). α,β-meATP (10 µM), a P2X1R desensitising agent, reduced the amplitude of these responses by 65% and prazosin (100 nM), an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist, decreased mean contraction amplitude by 69%. Stimulation of α1-adrenoceptors with phenylephrine (3 µM) enhanced EFS and ATP-induced contractions and these effects were mimicked by the phorbol ester PDBu (1 µM), which activates PKC. The PKC inhibitor GF109203X (1 µM) prevented the stimulatory effects of PDBu on ATP-induced contractions of the vas deferens but only reduced the stimulatory effects of phenylephrine by 40%. PDBu increased the amplitude of ATP-induced currents recorded from freshly isolated vas deferens myocytes and HEK-293 cells expressing human P2X1Rs by 93%. This study indicates that: (1) potentiation of ATP-evoked contractions of the mouse vas deferens by α1-adrenoceptor activation were not fully blocked by the PKC inhibitor GF109203X and (2) that the stimulatory effect of PKC on ATP-induced contractions of the vas deferens is associated with enhanced P2X1R currents in vas deferens myocytes.

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The Banded krait is a species of venomous snakes that ranks among the top 5 in Thailand, with a significance role as a predator for controlling other animals. Despite numerous studies on the ecology, the microanatomy of body systems has still not reported clearly. The present study was to investigate the microanatomy of the testes and male genital ducts of Banded krait that collected from Phatthalung Province, Thailand. The snakes were collected after anesthetized, and their testes and genital ducts were fixed in Bouin's fixative. The reproductive organs were collected during July to October 2022, and were sectioned of 5-µm-thick pieces for staining with Harris's hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid Schiff's (PAS), alcian blue (AB) pH 2.5 and pH 1.0, bromophenol blue (BB) and Masson's trichrome (MT). The testes contained the seminiferous tubules with 7 stages of germ cells: (I) type A spermatogonium, (II) type B spermatogonium, (III) primary spermatocyte, (IV) secondary spermatocyte, (V) round spermatid, (VI) elongated spermatid and (VII) spermatozoa. Besides, Sertoli and Leydig's cells were appeared in the seminiferous tubules and the interstitial area, respectively. During the sampling period, the spermatozoa were observed in the seminiferous tubules and genital ducts. The extra-testicular rete testis, ductuli efferentes and ductus epididymis were embedded in the epididymal sheath. The epithelial cells of rete testis, ductus epididymis, as well as ductus deferens possessed microvilli, whereas those of the ductuli efferentes composed of cilia. The epithelial cells of all portions showed the positive staining with PAS and BB due to the presence of neutral glycoproteins and proteins, respectively, and the negative staining for AB pH 2.5 and pH 1.0 because of the absence of acidic glycoproteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infertility affects 8-12% of couples of reproductive age worldwide, with a significant prevalence in India, where primary infertility ranges from 3.9% to 16.8%. Male factors contribute to 40-50% of infertility cases. Proper diagnostic workup for male infertility is crucial to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures for the female partner. Traditional evaluation methods, including clinical assessment, semen analysis, and scrotal ultrasonography, have limitations in accurately identifying and classifying the underlying causes of male infertility. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from December 2022 to February 2024 at the Department of Radiodiagnosis, M.G.M. Medical College and M.Y. Hospital, Indore, India. A total of 100 male patients with infertility were recruited. The study involved a thorough ultrasonographic evaluation of the scrotum, including the testes, epididymis, and spermatic cord. Additionally, transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) was performed to assess the bilateral seminal vesicles, prostate, ejaculatory ducts, and vas deferens to identify any obstructive etiologies. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from December 2022 to February 2024 at the Department of Radiodiagnosis, M.G.M. Medical College and M.Y. Hospital, Indore, India. A total of 100 male patients with infertility were recruited. The study involved a thorough ultrasonographic evaluation of the scrotum, including the testes, epididymis, and spermatic cord. Additionally, transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) was performed to assess the bilateral seminal vesicles, prostate, ejaculatory ducts, and vas deferens to identify any obstructive etiologies. Conclusion: This study highlights the diagnostic value of combining scrotal and transrectal ultrasonography in evaluating male infertility. The combined approach provides a comprehensive assessment, distinguishing between obstructive and non-obstructive causes, and guiding appropriate treatment. The results suggest that clinical evaluation, semen analysis, and scrotal ultrasound alone are insufficient to evaluate the complex etiologies of male infertility and should be complemented by TRUS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Individuals choose to undergo vasectomy reversal for a variety of reasons, including remarriage or due to the death of a child. To be proficient in this procedure, the surgeons need to be high volume and the trainees require a safe environment to develop their microsurgical skills. To overcome this challenge, we used three-dimensional (3D) printing to create a synthetic model of the vas deferens with properties similar to the human vas deferens. We distributed this model to experienced microsurgeons for evaluation. Methods: The vas deferens model was created using thermoplastic polyurethane filament. The filament was then infused with a foaming agent to allow for temperature-dependent tuning of the material's stiffness. The model's outer diameter was 1 mm and the inner lumen was 0.5 mm. Fellowship-trained male reproductive urologists were recruited from the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction website. They used our model and judged it on several factors by completing a 13-question survey. Results: We received completed evaluations from five microsurgeons. Eighty percent of the surgeons were able to complete a full anastomosis on the model using 9-0 and 10-0 sutures. The majority of the completed anastomoses were performed using the one-layer technique. The average responses for the model's usefulness as a practice tool, a training tool, and overall assessment ranged from 72 to 79 out of 100. Comments for the improvement included the need for a more flexible and softer model. Conclusions: We created a 3D-printed synthetic vas deferens that serves as a valuable training and practice tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) is a urological syndrome of Wolffian ducts and is responsible for male infertility and obstructive azoospermia. This study is designed to explore the integrity of exon 10 of CFTR and its role in male infertility in a cohort of CBVAD patients in Pakistan. Genomic DNA was extracted from 17 male patients with CBAVD having clinical symptoms, and 10 healthy controls via phenol-chloroform method. Exon 10 of the CFTR gene was amplified, using PCR with specific primers and DNA screening was done by Sanger sequencing. Sequencing results were analyzed using freeware Serial Cloner, SnapGene, BioEdit and FinchTV. Furthermore, bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the mutations and their impact on the protein function and stability. We have identified 4 mutations on exon 10 of CFTR in 6 out of 17 patients. Two of the mutations were missense variants V456A, K464E, and the other two were silent mutations G437G, S431S. The identified variant V456A was present in 4 of the studied patients. Whereas, the presence of K464E in our patients further weighs on the crucial importance for its strategic location to influence the gene function at post-transcriptional and protein level. Furthermore, Polyphen-2 and SIFT analyze the mutations as harmful and deleterious. The recurrence of V456A and tactically conserved locality of K464E are evidence of their potential role in CBAVD patients and in male infertility. The data can contribute in developing genetic testing and treatment of CBAVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exposure to ETI in utero might prevent organ damage in fetus with CF. • Normal vas deferens found in a baby boy with CF exposed to ETI in utero. • Normal pancreatic function in two infants with CF exposed to ETI in utero. • Gallstones in an infant with CF exposed to ETI in utero but not after birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To investigate the effects of ginseng soluble dietary fiber (GSDF) on the spermatogenic potential in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese mice. Method. C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD for 60 days, and GSDF was administered by gastric gavage. The mice were divided into control, HFD, GSDF (high, medium, and low), and positive (metformin and MH) groups. During this period, changes in body weight were recorded. Various organ indices were measured 24 h after the last dose. Sperm quality in the vas deferens and epididymis tail was determined using fully automated analyzers. Serum levels of the three lipids, cytokines, and hormones were detected by ELISA. Pathological changes in the testicular tissue and epididymal fat were observed by H&E and immunofluorescence staining of the testicular tissue for superoxide dismutase (SOD) and 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE). Changes in the levels of MAPK pathway proteins in the testicular cells were detected by western blotting. Result. GSDF intervention significantly reduced the body weight, renal index, and white fat in obese mice, while increasing the testicular organ index. GSDF intervention significantly reduced serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels in mice compared to the HFD group, thereby improving hyperlipidemia. Simultaneously, the serum cytokine IL‐4 level was increased, IL‐6 level was significantly reduced, testosterone (T) hormone level was significantly increased, and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly reduced in the GSDF‐treated mice. The viability, survival rate, and density of spermatozoa in the treated groups significantly improved. Testicular interstitial cell vacuolization and collagen fibrosis improved, spermatogonia were aligned, and epididymal fat cell hypertrophy and vacuolization were suppressed. In the GSDF treatment group, SOD levels increased significantly, whereas 4‐HNE levels decreased, with the most evident effect observed in the medium‐dose group. GSDF ameliorated metabolic disorders in obese mice by regulating the p‐JNK/p‐p38MAPK pathway. Conclusion. GSDF ameliorated spermatogenic potential in obese mice by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Thus, GSDF may be an effective lipid‐lowering agent for improving the reproductive potential of obese mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Study design Objective Materials and methods Results Discussion and conclusion Microsurgical vasoepididymostomy is an effective surgical method for treating epididymal obstructive azoospermia but the surgical outcomes can be affected in some non‐vasectomized epididymal obstructive azoospermia patients with concurrent vas‐deferens obstruction. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in non‐vasectomized epididymal obstructive azoospermia patients with versus without concurrent vas‐deferens obstruction.Retrospective study.To explore the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in non‐vasectomized epididymal obstructive azoospermia patients with versus without concurrent vas‐deferens obstruction, aiming to identify predictive factors for concurrent vas‐deferens obstruction and evaluate the efficacy of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy in patients with epididymal obstructive azoospermia and concurrent short‐segment vas‐deferens obstruction.A retrospective analysis of 225 epididymal obstructive azoospermia cases was conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from November 2016 to March 2023. All patients underwent a comprehensive preoperative evaluation. During surgery, the vas deferens were assessed to determine the presence and extent of obstruction. Depending on the obstruction length, either a standard microsurgical vasoepididymostomy was performed, or the obstructed segment was resected followed by microsurgical vasoepididymostomy. If the remaining length post‐resection was insufficient for anastomosis, the procedure was discontinued. Data on patient clinical characteristics, operative findings, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Logistic regression was used to identify predictive factors for concurrent vas‐deferens obstruction, and comparative analysis assessed patency and pregnancy rates between patients with and without concurrent vas‐deferens obstruction.Of the 225 patients in the study, 77 (34.22%) presented with epididymal obstructive azoospermia and concurrent vas‐deferens obstruction. Logistic regression analysis revealed that “the history of epididymitis” was a significant predictive factor for epididymal obstructive azoospermia patients with concurrent vas‐deferens obstruction (odds ratio = 9.06, p < 0.001). The average length of vas deferens obstruction amenable to microsurgical vasoepididymostomy post‐resection was 1.31 ± 0.54 cm (range from 0.50 to 2.50 cm). In contrast, cases unsuitable for microsurgical vasoepididymostomy presented an average obstruction length of 15.26 ± 5.79 cm (p < 0.001). The patency rates were 82.17% in epididymal obstructive azoospermia patients without concurrent vas‐deferens obstruction and 74.14% in those with concurrent vas‐deferens obstruction. The pregnancy rates followed a similar trend, at 34.11% and 34.48%, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05 for both). However, epididymal obstructive azoospermia patients with vas‐deferens obstruction exhibited a decreased likelihood of bilateral microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (p < 0.001).Our study identifies a noticeable occurrence of concurrent vas‐deferens obstruction in non‐vasectomized epididymal obstructive azoospermia patients, with approximately one‐third of the cases (34.22%) exhibiting vas‐deferens obstruction during surgical interventions. Notably, a small fraction (6.67%) of these individuals chose not to proceed with any microsurgical vasoepididymostomy, even on one side, due to the extensive length of the obstruction. Through logistic analysis, we have demonstrated that “the history of epididymitis” is a critical predictive factor for the presence of vas‐deferens obstruction, underscoring its significance in preoperative evaluations. Furthermore, our research confirms that microsurgical vasoepididymostomy is still an effective treatment for epididymal obstructive azoospermia patients with concurrent short‐segment vas‐deferens obstruction, achieving significant patency and favorable pregnancy rates compared to those patients without vas‐deferens obstruction. These insights are pivotal for enhancing surgical strategies and improving fertility outcomes in this patient cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

6-Cyanodopamine is a novel catecholamine released from rabbit isolated heart. However, it is not known whether this catecholamine presents any biological activity. Here, it was evaluated whether 6-cyanodopamine (6-CYD) is released from rat vas deferens and its effect on this tissue contractility. Basal release of 6-CYD, 6-nitrodopamine (6-ND), 6-bromodopamine, 6-nitrodopa, and 6-nitroadrenaline from vas deferens were quantified by LC-MS/MS. Electric-field stimulation (EFS) and concentration-response curves to noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine of the rat isolated epididymal vas deferens (RIEVD) were performed in the absence and presence of 6-CYD and /or 6-ND. Expression of tyrosine hydroxylase was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The rat isolated vas deferens released significant amounts of both 6-CYD and 6-ND. The voltage-gated sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin had no effect on the release of 6-CYD, but it virtually abolished 6-ND release. 6-CYD alone exhibited a negligible RIEVD contractile activity; however, at 10 nM, 6-CYD significantly potentiated the noradrenaline- and EFS-induced RIEVD contractions, whereas at 10 and 100 nM, it also significantly potentiated the adrenaline- and dopamine-induced contractions. The potentiation of noradrenaline- and adrenaline-induced contractions by 6-CYD was unaffected by tetrodotoxin. Co-incubation of 6-CYD (100 pM) with 6-ND (10 pM) caused a significant leftward shift and increased the maximal contractile responses to noradrenaline, even in the presence of tetrodotoxin. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of tyrosine hydroxylase in both epithelial cell cytoplasm of the mucosae and nerve fibers of RIEVD. The identification of epithelium-derived 6-CYD and its remarkable synergism with catecholamines indicate that epithelial cells may regulate vas deferens smooth muscle contractility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Material and methods Results Discussion and conclusion The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the central hub for protein quality control, where the protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs), encoded by at least 21 genes, play a pivotal role. These multifunctional proteins contribute to disulfide bond formation, proper folding, and protein modifications, and may act as hormone‐binding proteins (e.g., steroids), influencing hormone biology. The interplay between ER proteostasis, PDIs, and epididymis—a crucial site for sperm maturation—remains largely understudied.This study characterizes transcriptional signatures of Pdi genes in the epididymis.Transcriptional profiles of selected Pdi genes were assessed in adult Wistar rat tissues, and epididymis under different experimental conditions (developmental stages, surgical castration, and efferent ductules ligation [EDL]). In silico bioinformatic analyses identified expression trends of this gene family in human epididymal segments.P4hb, Pdia3, Pdia5, Pdia6, Erp44, Erp29, and Casq1 transcripts were detected in both reproductive and non‐reproductive tissues, while Casq2 exhibited higher abundance in vas deferens, prostate, and heart. Pdilt, highly expressed in testis, and Pdia2, highly expressed in heart, showed minimal mRNA levels in the epididymis. In the mesonephric duct, epididymal embryonic precursor, P4hb, Pdia3, Pdia5, Pdia6, and Erp29 mRNAs were found at gestational day (GD) 17.5. Except for Erp29, which remained stable, these Pdi transcript levels increased from GD17.5 to GD20.5, when epididymal morphogenesis occurs, and were maintained to varying degrees in the epididymis during postnatal development. Surgical castration downregulated P4hb, Pdia3, Pdia5, Pdia6, Pdilt and Erp29 transcripts, an effect reversed by testosterone replacement. Conversely, transcript levels remained unaffected by EDL, except P4hb, which was reduced in caput epididymis. All 21 PDI genes exhibited diverse transcriptional profiles across the human epididymis.The findings lay the foundations to explore Pdi genes in epididymal biology. As a considerable proportion of male infertility cases are idiopathic, targeting hormonal regulation of protein quality control in epididymis represents a route to address male infertility and advance therapeutic interventions in this domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deepwater survey data and specimens collected from the Grand Banks to Baffin Bay in the Northwest Atlantic were used to examine the distribution, morphometrics, meristics and maturity of two siblings, Amblyraja hyperborea and A. jenseni. Our study confirmed that the two species occupy different locations, their distributions separated by Davis Strait, a biogeographic break separating Atlantic from Arctic waters. A. hyperborea with a smaller maximum size and size at maturity inhabited colder Arctic slope waters in Baffin Bay while larger A. jenseni were located in warmer Atlantic slope waters. Despite their distributional separation and thus reproductive isolation, spine counts and body morphology were almost indistinguishable between species. Only upper jaw teeth row count and difference in the size of spines on the mid-rear wings differentiated the two species. Also, for both species, the proportion of dorsal fins joined, disc shape and relative tail length changed with total length. Secondary reproductive anatomy, clasper length and vas deferens weight, shell gland and uterus weight underwent initial acceleration in growth when the gonads transitioned to stage 2 (adolescent, maturing). Also, YOY A. hyperborea were found to distribute at shallower depths than larger stages, constituting a nursery, which was not observed for A. jenseni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaporins (AQPs), also known as water channels, appear to be particularly promising in maintaining male reproductive potential. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence of classical AQPs in the bovine (Bos taurus) reproductive system and analyze changes in their expression with age using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Of the six classical AQPs, AQP0, AQP1, AQP4, AQP5 and AQP6 were detected, while AQP2 was absent. In the testis, AQP0 was visible in Leydig cells in selected animals, while AQP1 was found in myoid cells surrounding the seminiferous tubules of mature individuals. This characteristic expression patterns of AQP0, limited only to certain bulls, is difficult to explain unequivocally. It is possible that AQP0 expression in cattle is subject to individual variability or changes in response to specific physiological conditions. In the caput and corpus epididymis, AQP0 showed weak expression in epithelial cells of immature animals and stronger expression in basal and principal cells of reproductive bulls. In all animals, AQP1 was present on the apical surface of epithelial cells in the initial segment of the caput epididymis. AQP4, AQP5 and AQP6 were identified in principal and basal cells along the entire epididymis of reproductive bulls. The abundance of AQP4 and AQP6 increased from the caput to the cauda epididymis with the growth and development of the animals. In all males, AQP4, AQP5 and AQP6 were observed in epithelial cells of the vas deferens, and their expression in this section increased with age. In conclusion, the abundance and distribution of the classical AQPs in various cell types and parts of the male reproductive system indicate their crucial role in maintaining water homeostasis, which is essential for normal reproductive function in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Males with CF desire provider-initiated SRH education early in life and on a regular basis. • The counseling intervention was developed with input from males with CF, CF providers, & CF researchers. • Telehealth counseling is acceptable, appropriate, & feasible for males with CF. • SRH counseling may improve fertility knowledge, self-efficacy, & care satisfaction. • Telehealth counseling by a fertility specialist may reduce the CF team's burden. Most males with cystic fibrosis (MwCF) have congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens and require assisted reproductive technology to conceive, yet many have limited knowledge about how CF affects sexual and reproductive health (SRH). This study evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of telehealth fertility preservation (FP) counseling for MwCF. Pre-lung transplant MwCF ≥18 years, recruited from U.S. CF centers, social media, and via snowball sampling, received individualized telehealth counseling. Participants completed intervention feasibility/acceptability one week post-counseling and FP knowledge, care satisfaction, and self-efficacy assessments at baseline and two months post-counseling. We completed acceptability interviews one-week post-counseling and audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed results. We descriptively analyzed survey results and conducted pre/post comparisons using paired t -tests. Thirty MwCF (ages 22–49 years) completed counseling. Most were in a relationship (70 %) and White (86.7 %). Telehealth FP counseling was acceptable (M = 4.38/5 ± 0.60), appropriate (M = 4.37/5 ± 0.60), and feasible (M = 4.60/5 ± 0.45) to MwCF. FP knowledge (9.53 vs. 10.40/12; p =.010), care satisfaction (20.23 vs 26.67/32; p <.001), and self-efficacy (22.87 vs 25.20/30; p =.016) improved at two months post-counseling. Despite desiring provider-initiated SRH, wanting children (81 %), and perceiving the CF team as their primary care provider (97 %), 44 % report not receiving information about infertility by the CF team. Integrating FP counseling into CF care is feasible and acceptable to MwCF and can improve FP knowledge, self-efficacy, and care satisfaction. MwCF desire early and regular provider-initiated SRH education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CFTR-related disorders (RD) are a group of conditions caused by CFTR protein dysfunction, but to a level of dysfuncton not satisfying the diagnostic crtieria for cystic fibrosis (CF). • This paper discusses the individual disorders, including congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD), diffuse bronchiectasis, chronic or acute recurrent pancreatitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, chronic rhinosinusitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and aquagenic wrinkling of the palms. • The CFTR functional and genetic evidence in support of each condition being a CFTR-RD are discussed and guidance for reaching the diagnosis is provided. • Gaps in our knowledge and future areas of research, including the role of CFTR modulators, are highlighted. This is the third paper in the series providing updated information and recommendations for people with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-related disorder (CFTR-RD). This paper covers the individual disorders, including the established conditions - congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD), diffuse bronchiectasis and chronic or acute recurrent pancreatitis - and also other conditions which might be considered a CFTR-RD, including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, chronic rhinosinusitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and aquagenic wrinkling. The CFTR functional and genetic evidence in support of the condition being a CFTR-RD are discussed and guidance for reaching the diagnosis, including alternative conditions to consider and management recommendations, is provided. Gaps in our knowledge, particularly of the emerging conditions, and future areas of research, including the role of CFTR modulators, are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Region‐specific immune environments in the epididymis influence the immune responses to uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) infection, a relevant cause of epididymitis in men. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are essential to orchestrate immune responses against bacterial infections. The epididymis displays region‐specific inflammatory responses to bacterial‐derived TLR agonists, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS; TLR4 agonist) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA; TLR2/TLR6 agonist), suggesting that TLR‐associated signaling pathways could influence the magnitude of inflammatory responses in epididymitis. Objectives: To investigate the expression and regulation of key genes associated with TLR4 and TLR2/TLR6 signaling pathways during epididymitis induced by UPEC, LPS, and LTA in mice. Material and methods: Epididymitis was induced in mice using UPEC, ultrapure LPS, or LTA, injected into the interstitial space of the initial segment or the lumen of the vas deferens close to the cauda epididymidis. Samples were harvested after 1, 5, and 10 days for UPEC‐treated animals and 6 and 24 h for LPS‐/LTA‐treated animals. Ex vivo epididymitis was induced by incubating epididymal regions from naive mice with LPS or LTA. RT‐qPCR and Western blot assays were conducted. Results: UPEC infection up‐regulated Tlr2, Tlr4, and Tlr6 transcripts and their associated signaling molecules Cd14, Ticam1, and Traf6 in the cauda epididymidis but not in the initial segment. In these epididymal regions, LPS and LTA differentially modulated Tlr2, Tlr4, Tlr6, Cd14, Myd88, Ticam1, Traf3, and Traf6 expression levels. NFKB and AP1 activation was required for LPS‐ and LTA‐induced up‐regulation of TLR‐associated signaling transcripts in the cauda epididymidis and initial segment, respectively. Conclusion: The dynamic modulation of TLR4 and TLR2/TLR6 signaling pathways gene expression during epididymitis indicates bacterial‐derived antigens elicit an increased tissue sensitivity to combat microbial infection in a spatial manner in the epididymis. Differential activation of TLR‐associated signaling pathways may contribute to fine‐tuning inflammatory responses along the epididymis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activins (A and B) and their binding protein, follistatin, play crucial roles in development, immunoregulation and inflammation throughout the body. In the male reproductive tract of the mouse, activin A and B production is largely confined to the initial segment and proximal caput of the epididymis and the efferent ducts, under normal conditions, with very low expression in the corpus, cauda and vas deferens. However, activin A protein is present throughout the epididymis and vas deferens and is largely associated with the epithelium and interstitial macrophages. Conversely, the activin‐binding protein follistatin is produced in the distal epididymis, with very high expression in the vas deferens. Activin activity in the distal tract is inhibited by follistatin, and the activin–follistatin balance is important for regulating coiling of the duct during epididymal development. In further experiments, as described in this report, in situ hybridisation was used to localise activin A mRNA principally to cells in the periductal zone and interstitium in the efferent ducts and proximal caput. Activin B mRNA, on the other hand, was localised to periductal cells in the efferent ducts and proximal epididymis and, most notably, to epithelial cells in the initial segment. Activin A is implicated in the regulation of mononuclear phagocyte function and immune responses in the caput and stimulates the expression of the key immunoregulatory protein, indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase in this region. Activin A production in the corpus and cauda increases dramatically during bacterial epididymitis in mice, promoting inflammation and fibrosis and causing damage to the epithelium and obstruction of the epididymal duct. Consequently, it appears that the activin–follistatin axis is crucial for maintaining normal epididymal structure and function, but disruption of this balance during inflammation has deleterious effects on male fertility. Follistatin has therapeutic potential in ameliorating the proinflammatory and profibrotic effects of activins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of applying laparoscopic transection and partial resection of hernia sac in the treatment of indirect inguinal hernia in children. Patients and Methods: From December 2017 to November 2018, we recruited 20 children, who were aged 1–6 years old, with indirect inguinal hernia. At the time of admission, the participants had already developed an indirect inguinal hernia for 6 months to 1 year. A simple transection and partial resection of hernia sac was performed at the internal ring on each of the recruited children. The procedure was conducted under laparoscopy. Two 5‑mm trocars were placed on either side of the umbilicus, one for the camera and the other for a surgical instrument. Another trocar was placed on the right abdomen. Laparoscopic camera curved forceps, and scissors were placed. Along the unclosed internal ring, the peritoneum was cut in a circular fashion to transect the hernia sac and dissociate it from the distal end. About 1–2 cm of the hernia sac was resected. Results: The operation was successfully completed in all 20 cases, who did not experience any complications, such as the absence of spermatic cord, vas deferens injury, scrotal swelling and incision infection. The children were discharged 1 day after the operation. In the post‑operative follow‑up for the first 3–4 years, recurrence and testicular atrophy did not occur in the study participants. Conclusion: The short-term results obtained from this study showed that the application of laparoscopic transection and partial resection of hernia sac in the treatment of indirect inguinal hernia is feasible. Long-term results and further observation are needed for validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The testicles and epididymal ducts of several mammals, such as camels, have been shown to have ADAM2 (fertilin) protein. But nothing is known about the existence of this protein in the camel's ductus deferens and male accessory glands. The current study employed immunohistochemical (IHC) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) techniques to elucidate the distribution and expression of ADAM2 in the ductus deferens and male accessory glands in dromedary camels throughout the rutting season. Samples of tissue were collected from the ductus deferens. (initial, middle and ampullary parts), prostate (corpus and disseminated part) and bulbourethral gland from eight mature male camels. IHC result revealed that ADAM2 protein localized in all parts of the ductus deferens with a strong immunoreaction in the ampullary parts. A variety of immunoreactions were recognized in the different parts of the male accessory glands. qRT-PCR results showed that ADAM2 mRNA was expressed variably in all parts of the ductus deferens and male accessory glands; the ampullary part of the vas deferens displayed the highest levels of expression (P<0.05). The current study concluded that ADAM2 is found in the ductus deferens and male accessory glands with greater expression in the ampulla and prostate glands where seminal fluids are secreted. Thus, it is believed that these organs aid in the sperm's creation of this protein before ejaculation in the female camel's genital organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Materials and methods Results Conclusion Pediatric inguinal hernia repair (IHR) is a common cause of obstructive azoospermia (OA). Yet, the surgical treatment for this kind of OA remains difficult with poor fertility outcome.To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of totally extraperitoneal laparoscopy‐assisted microsurgical vasovasostomy (VV) in the treatment of OA caused by pediatric bilateral IHR.Totally, 37 patients with OA caused by pediatric bilateral IHR were enrolled in this study from March 2015 to December 2020 in Shanghai General Hospital. The clinical data and fertility outcomes were collected and analyzed.All patients enrolled had a history of bilateral IHR at the age of 1–10 years old. The mean age of patients was 27 ± 4.31 (range: 18–35) years. Totally extraperitoneal laparoscopy (TEP) was applied in 31 patients for the exploration and retrieval of pelvic vas deferens end, and 30 of them underwent microsurgical VV successfully. Among the six cases where TEP was not applied, five cases underwent microsurgical anastomosis. Intraoperative exploration revealed that the location of vas deferens injuries included scrotum (2.70%, 1/37), inguinal canal (5.41%, 2/37), pelvic cavity (78.37%, 29/37), and multiple sites (13.51%, 5/37). The mean operation time was 339 ± 96.73 min (range: 130–510 min). There were no surgical complications. Thirty‐three cases were followed up for 5–48 months with four cases lost to follow‐up. The overall patency rate, pregnancy rate, and natural pregnancy rate were 75.86% (22/29), 46.67% (14/30), and 36.84% (7/19, 3 patients without family planning), respectively. And seven couples conceived through the assisted reproductive technique, two of which using fresh sperm in the ejaculate.TEP laparoscopy‐assisted microscopic VV is an effective treatment for patients with OA caused by pediatric bilateral IHR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important gas signaling molecule, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) affects multiple organ systems, including the nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, and genitourinary, reproductive systems. In particular, H2S not only regulates female reproductive function but also holds great promise in the treatment of male reproductive diseases and disorders, such as erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, varicocele, and infertility. In this review, we summarize the relationship between H2S and male reproductive organs, including the penis, testis, prostate, vas deferens, and epididymis. As lower urinary tract symptoms have a significant impact on penile erection disorders, we also address the potential ameliorative effects of H2S in erectile dysfunction resulting from bladder disease. Additionally, we discuss the regulatory role of H2S in cavernous smooth muscle relaxation, which involves the NO/cGMP pathway, the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway, and K+ channel activation. Recently, various compounds that can alleviate erectile dysfunction have been reported to be at least partly dependent on H2S. Therefore, understanding the role of H2S in the male reproductive system may help develop novel strategies for the clinical treatment of male reproductive system diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of allele-specific expression in interspecific hybrids have provided important insights into gene-regulatory divergence and hybrid incompatibilities. Many such investigations in Drosophila have used transcriptome data from complex mixtures of many tissues or from gonads, however, regulatory divergence may vary widely among species, sexes, and tissues. Thus, we lack sufficiently broad sampling to be confident about the general biological principles of regulatory divergence. Here, we seek to fill some of these gaps in the literature by characterizing regulatory evolution and hybrid misexpression in a somatic male sex organ, the accessory gland, in F1 hybrids between Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans. The accessory gland produces seminal fluid proteins, which play an important role in male and female fertility and may be subject to adaptive divergence due to male–male or male–female interactions. We find that trans differences are relatively more abundant than cis , in contrast to most of the interspecific hybrid literature, though large effect-size trans differences are rare. Seminal fluid protein genes have significantly elevated levels of expression divergence and tend to be regulated through both cis and trans divergence. We find limited misexpression (over- or underexpression relative to both parents) in this organ compared to most other Drosophila studies. As in previous studies, male-biased genes are overrepresented among misexpressed genes and are much more likely to be underexpressed. ATAC-Seq data show that chromatin accessibility is correlated with expression differences among species and hybrid allele-specific expression. This work identifies unique regulatory evolution and hybrid misexpression properties of the accessory gland and suggests the importance of tissue-specific allele-specific expression studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: There are very few reports regarding Assisted Reproductive Technologies in South American camelids, including llamas (Lama glama). The sperm quality and in vitro fertilization rates from fresh and cryopreserved sperm collected from vas deferens using different preservation extenders were investigated in llama males as a model for its application in other South American camelids. The obtained results from our research showed that the preservation extender was a determining factor in significantly improving the in vitro fertilization rates when using fresh and cryopreserved sperm samples obtained from the vas deferens in llamas (Lama glama). The advances in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) applied in South American camelid species are still scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three semen extenders, before and after the cryopreservation of spermatozoa obtained from the vas deferens, on sperm quality parameters and in vitro fertilization rates of llama (Lama glama) oocytes. Mature fertile llama males (Lama glama; n = 6; age: 48–60 mo.; BCS: ~2.7) were included in the study. Sperm samples were collected from each male using the surgical technique of the vas deferens deviation. Then, the sperm samples were pooled and diluted with the Tris-EY, Andromed®, or BioxCell® extender in order to subsequently carry out the sperm cryopreservation process. The sperm quality assessment related to each extender was performed before and after cryopreservation with regard to sperm morphological abnormalities, acrosome integrity, sperm viability, membrane permeability, and sperm motility traits. Moreover, in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures were carried out to evaluate the in vitro fertility of the cryopreserved sperm samples using each extender. Overall, significant differences were observed before and after cryopreservation regarding acrosome integrity, sperm viability, membrane permeability, and sperm motility traits among the extenders used, where Tris-EY and Andromed® were better than BioxCell® (p < 0.05); however, no differences were observed regarding the sperm morphological abnormalities among extenders (p > 0.05). Moreover, multiple differences were observed with regard to the velocity and linearity kinematic parameters obtained by computerized analysis before and after the cryopreservation process, irrespective of the extender used (p < 0.05). Finally, differences were observed regarding the in vitro fertilization rates among the different extender-derived samples (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the sperm quality using Tris-EY and Andromed® was better before and after cryopreservation compared to that using BioxCell®. Although the number of fertilized oocytes obtained after the IVF process between Tris-EY and Andromed® was similar, Andromed®-derived samples showed the best sperm quality results before and after cryopreservation. This indicates that the cryopreservation extender is a determining factor in significantly improving in vitro fertilization rates when using sperm samples obtained from vas deferens in llama (Lama glama) males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endocannabinoid system and prostaglandins are important modulators in the genitourinary system. This study aimed to investigate the possible interactions between the endocannabinoid system and the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway on rat vas deferens. For this purpose, the concentration responses of the endocannabinoid anandamide, prostaglandin F2α analog latanoprost, and prostaglandin E1 analog misoprostol on the electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contractile responses were obtained. The concentration responses to anandamide were obtained again in the presence of nonselective COX inhibitor flurbiprofen and prostaglandin analogs, while the concentration responses of latanoprost and misoprostol were obtained in the presence of cannabinoid receptor antagonists and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme inhibitor URB597. FAAH, COX-1, and COX-2 enzyme levels in vas deferens tissue samples were also determined. The cumulative addition of anandamide was not different from the vehicle; however, the EFS-induced contractile responses were significantly increased with the incubation of latanoprost or flurbiprofen in the prostatic portion. Flurbiprofen and misoprostol decreased FAAH enzyme levels in both portions of the vas deferens, while latanoprost induced the inhibition in the prostatic portion. The cumulative administration of latanoprost and misoprostol significantly enhanced the contractile responses in the prostatic portion. This effect of latanoprost was significantly antagonized by URB597 and AM251. The enhancing effect of misoprostol was antagonized by anandamide, URB597, AM251, and AM630. Anandamide, AM251, AM630, and URB597 decreased enzyme levels of COX-1 and COX-2 in both portions of the vas deferens. These results demonstrate an intricate crosstalk between endocannabinoids and prostaglandins in modulation of the vas deferens contractility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 5‐year 11‐month‐old, male, neutered, Bengal cross cat was examined for a 5‐week history of tenesmus. Positive contrast urethrocystography and computed tomography scan demonstrated a fluid‐filled structure occupying the pelvic canal. Midline coeliotomy and symphysiotomy revealed a large cystic structure dorsal to the urethra in the area of the prostate. This structure was communicating with the urethra via a duct and both vas deferens were inserting in it. The duct was ligated and partial ablation and omentalisation of the structure was performed. Histopathological examination identified features consistent with a true uterus masculinus. Bacteriology of the cystic fluid cultured Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis. The cat recovered uneventfully and with no ongoing clinical issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article in the journal "Colorectal Disease" discusses a case of robotic low anterior resection with combined resection of the left-sided pelvic plexus and seminal vesicle for locally advanced rectal cancer. The procedure was performed on a 48-year-old man who had received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The surgery was successful, with no recurrence during the 18-month follow-up period, demonstrating the safety and feasibility of the robotic platform for such complex surgeries. The authors have disclosed no conflicts of interest or financial ties, and the procedures were conducted in accordance with ethical standards. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a case of a 65-year-old man who experienced a local recurrence of prostate cancer 10 years after undergoing radical prostatectomy. The recurrence was detected through positron emission tomography-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PET-PSMA) imaging, which showed avidity of tracer at the distal end of the right vas deferens. The patient was successfully treated with MRI-guided radiotherapy (MR-gRT), resulting in an excellent response with no reported early toxicity. The article emphasizes the usefulness of PSMA-PET imaging in guiding salvage treatment for locally recurrent prostate cancer, allowing for highly targeted therapy and avoiding unnecessary toxicity. [Extracted from the article]

Aim: As multidisciplinary treatment strategies for colorectal cancer have improved, aggressive surgical resection has become commonplace. Multivisceral and extended resections offer curative‐intent resection with significant survival benefit. However, limited data exist regarding the feasibility and oncological efficacy of performing extended resection via a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to determine the perioperative and long‐term outcomes following robotic extended resection for colorectal cancer. Method: We describe the population of patients undergoing robotic multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer at our single institution. We evaluated perioperative details and investigated short‐ and long‐term outcomes, using the Kaplan–Meier method to analyse overall and recurrence‐free survival. Results: Among the 86 patients most tumours were T3 (47%) or T4 (47%) lesions in the rectum (78%). Most resections involved the anterior compartment (72%): bladder (n = 13), seminal vesicle/vas deferens (n = 27), ureter (n = 6), prostate (n = 15) and uterus/vagina/adnexa (n = 27). Three cases required conversion to open surgery; 10 patients had grade 3 complications. The median hospital stay was 4 days. Resections were R0 (>1 mm) in 78 and R1 (0 to ≤1 mm) in 8, with none being R2. The average nodal yield was 26 and 48 (55.8%) were pN0. Three‐year overall survival was 88% and median progression‐free survival was 19.4 months. Local recurrence was 6.1% and distant recurrence was 26.1% at 3 years. Conclusion: Performance of multivisceral and extended resection on the robotic platform allows patients the benefit of minimally invasive surgery while achieving oncologically sound resection of colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To report our experience using fine-needle vasography (FNV) to identify a site of obstruction and determine candidacy for reconstructive procedures in patients presenting with suspected obstructive azoospermia (OA) or cryptozoospermia. We report a multi-institutional case series of patients with suspected complete or partial OA. Patients that were included had azoospermia or cryptozoospermia, presence of palpable vasa, testicles ≥12 mL, and FSH <7.6 IU/L. All patients underwent testicular biopsy prior to or at the time of FNV to confirm spermatogenesis. FNV was performed using a 25-gauge angiocatheter, with radio-opaque dye visualized under fluoroscopy. Descriptive statistics are reported as median and interquartile range (IQR). A total of 16 patients underwent vasography from 2014 to 2022 with 3 surgeons. Twelve patients presented with azoospermia, and 4 with cryptozoospermia. A total of 7 (44%) men were found to have distal obstruction on FNV. Of the 8 men with prior inguinal hernia repairs, 2 were confirmed to have an obstruction at the level of the inguinal canal. Of the 6 patients with a history of genitourinary infection, 4 had an obstruction at the level of the epididymis (with normal FNV), while 2 had atresia of the vas deferens in the pelvis. FNV is an effective, minimally invasive way to identify the site of complete or partial obstruction in patients presenting with suspected OA/cryptozoospermia. It additionally permits identification of men who are candidates for epididymovasostomy reconstruction and helps to differentiate between ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) and other causes of blockage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epithelial cells that line the kidneys and lower urinary tract are exposed to mechanical forces including shear stress and wall tension; however, the mechanosensors that detect and respond to these stimuli remain obscure. Candidates include the OSCA/TMEM63 family of ion channels, which can function as mechanosensors and osmosensors. Using Tmem63bHA‐fl/HA‐fl reporter mice, we assessed the localization of HA‐tagged‐TMEM63B within the urinary tract by immunofluorescence coupled with confocal microscopy. In the kidneys, HA‐TMEM63B was expressed by proximal tubule epithelial cells, by the intercalated cells of the collecting duct, and by the epithelial cells lining the thick ascending limb of the medulla. In the urinary tract, HA‐TMEM63B was expressed by the urothelium lining the renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and urethra. HA‐TMEM63B was also expressed in closely allied organs including the epithelial cells lining the seminal vesicles, vas deferens, and lateral prostate glands of male mice and the vaginal epithelium of female mice. Our studies reveal that TMEM63B is expressed by subsets of kidney and lower urinary tract epithelial cells, which we hypothesize are sites of TMEM63B mechanosensation or osmosensation, or both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectonucleotidases play an important role in regulating the level of extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides and are an important part of the regulation of the effects of adenosine and ATP on adenosine and P2 receptors, respectively. We have previously established the ambiguous effect of P2 receptor agonists on the contractile activity of smooth muscle tissue in rats with the valproate model of autism. In this work, HPLC was used to evaluate the activity of ectonucleotidases in the smooth muscle tissues of the internal organs of rats with a valproate model of autism. The activity of ectonucleotidases was significantly higher in the smooth muscle tissues of the duodenum, vas deferens, and bladder, but lower in the ileum and uterus. The results obtained make it possible to compare the activity of ectonucleotidases identified here with changes in P2 receptor-mediated contractility of smooth muscle tissues revealed in our previous experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is released from human vas deferens and plays a modulatory role in the male ejaculation. Therapeutical use of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists is associated with ejaculatory abnormalities. To evaluate the effect of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists on the contractions induced by 6-ND, dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline in the human epididymal vas deferens (HEVD). HEVD strips were suspended in glass chambers containing heated and oxygenated Krebs–Henseleit's solution. Cumulative concentration–response curves to catecholamines (10 nM-300 μM) were constructed in HEVD strips pre-incubated (30 min) with doxazosin (0.1-1 nM), tamsulosin (1–10 nM), prazosin (10–100 nM) and/or silodosin (0.1–10 nM). The effects of these α1-adrenoceptor antagonists were also evaluated in the electric-field stimulation (EFS, 2–32 Hz)-induced contractions. Doxazosin (0.1 nM) caused significant reductions in 6-ND-induced HEVD contractions without affecting the contractions induced by dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Similar results were observed with tamsulosin (1 nM) and prazosin (10 nM). At these concentrations, these α1-adrenoceptor antagonists largely reduced the EFS-induced contractions. Silodosin (1 nM) caused concentration-dependent rightward shifts of the concentration–response curves to 6-ND but had no effect on the contractions induced by dopamine and adrenaline. Silodosin (0.1 nM) only inhibited the contractions induced by noradrenaline. Silodosin at 1 nM, but not at 0.1 nM, caused significant reductions in the EFS-induced contractions. The results reinforce the concept that 6-ND plays a major role in the human vas deferens contractility and indicate that the ejaculation disorders caused by doxazosin, tamsulosin, prazosin and silodosin cause in man, may be due to inhibition of the contractions induced by 6-ND rather than by the classical catecholamines dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The human umbilical artery (HUA), rat-isolated right atrium, and rat-isolated vas deferens present a basal release of 6-nitrodopamine (6-ND). The basal release of 6-ND from these tissues was significantly decreased (but not abolished) when the tissues were pre-incubated with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Methods: In this study, the effect of the pharmacological modulation of the redox environment on the basal release of 6-ND was investigated. The basal release of 6-ND was measured using Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results and Discussion: Pre-incubation (30min) of the tissues with GKT137831 (1 µM) caused a significant increase in the basal release of 6-ND from all tissues. In the HUA, pre-incubation with diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) (100 µM) also caused significant increases in the basal release of 6-ND. Preincubation of the HUA with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (100 µM) increased 6-ND basal release, whereas preincubation with catalase (1,000 U/mL) significantly decreased it. Pre-incubation of the HUA with superoxide dismutase (SOD) (250 U/mL; 30min) also significantly increased the basal release of 6-ND. Preincubation of the HUA with either allopurinol (100 µM) or uric acid (1mM) had no effect on the basal release of 6-ND. Pre-treatment of the HUAwith L-NAME (100 µM) prevented the increase in the basal release of 6-ND induced by GKT137831, diphenyleneiodonium, and H2O2. The results obtained indicate amajor role of endogenous H2O2 and peroxidases as modulators of 6-ND biosynthesis/release and a lack of peroxynitrite contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 1 (Siglec-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in the sialic acid (Sia)-dependent regulation of the immune system. Siglec-1 expression has recently been identified in the male reproductive tract (MRT) of several species, including humans, cattle, horses, and sheep, and may play a role in modulating fertility in a Sia-dependent manner. Materials and Methods: In this study, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis of Siglec-1 was conducted to identify associated network protein conservation, and the expression of Siglec-1 in the MRT of mice and rats, including their accessory sex glands and spermatozoa was determined by immunostaining. Results: Network analysis of proteins with Siglec-1 in mice and rats demonstrated significant similarity to human Siglec-1 networks, suggesting a similar conservation of network proteins between these species and, hence, a potential conservation role in immune modulation and function. Specific immunostaining patterns of mouse and rat testes, epididymis, ductus deferens, accessory sex gland tissues, and sperm were detected using human Siglec-1. These results confirmed that the human Siglec-1 antibody could cross-react with mouse and rat Siglec-1, suggesting that the specific expression patterns of Siglec-1 in the MRT and sperm of both mice and rats are similar to those observed in other species. Conclusions: The conservation of Siglec-1 expression patterns in sperm and within the MRT and the similarity of protein networks for Siglec-1 across species suggest that Siglec-1 may function in a similar manner across species. These results also suggest that rodents may serve as a valuable model system for exploring the function of Siglecs in the reproductive system across species and their potential role in modulating fertility in a Sia-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of diclofenac sodium application during pregnancy on COX-2 expression in the ductus epididymis (DE) and ductus deferens (DD) of the offspring rat. 8 Eight adult Wistar Albino non-pregnant female rats and two breeding male rats were utilized. Rats determined to be pregnant were separated into two categories as sham (S) and diclofenac sodium (DS). It was injected into the S group with 1 ml/kg/day saline for 10 days, and it was injected into the DS group with 6.1 mg/kg/day DS. 7 male offspring were used in each group. DS decreased the serum testosterone levels and incresed the number of mast. DS induced fibrotic thickening. Offspring of S group had moderate COX-2 in the caput epididymis (CPE) and severe COX-2 in the cauda epididymis (CE), while those in the DS group had weak COX-2 in the CPE and moderate COX-2 in the CE. There was no COX-2 expression in the vas deferens and corpus epididymis (COE) of the offspring rats in the S and DS groups. TNF-a expression was not observed in the S and DS groups. It was observed that moderate IL-10 expression in the CPE and CE, and weak IL-10 expression in the vas deferens and COE in the S and DS groups. The findings of our study reveal that DS administration during pregnancy can cause the downregulation of COX-2 expression in the DE and DD of offspring rats and therefore may have adverse effects on the male reproductive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the usage of nanoparticles has expanded substantially in recent years, and it causes the detrimental effect on the various organs. CuNPs are widely used in commercial applications. There has been minimal investigation into the possibly harmful effects of CuNPs on the accessory reproductive organs. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of CuNPs on the male reproductive organs like epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle and prostate of mice. The mice were exposed orally to CuNPs at three doses 10, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 70 days. Our results showed that the organs index of only vas deferens and prostate reduced at 200 mg/kg group compared to the control. However, the histological study showed degenerative changes in the epididymis at higher doses like distortion in the tubules. The sperm parameters were also decreased in the 200 mg/kg CuNPs group. The vas deferens in 100 and 200 mg/kg treatment groups exhibited detachment of luminal epithelium and with a few or no spermatozoa in the higher dose group. The seminal vesicle and prostate also showed degenerative changes like atrophy, hyperplasia, and scant secretary materials. Furthermore, CuNPs also increased the oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant enzymes in vas deferens and seminal vesicles at higher dose. Caput epididymis showed decreased GPx enzymes in all the groups. However, MDA and GPx in corpus, cauda, and prostate did not show any significant variations among all the groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that CuNPs can manifest the detrimental effect of the male accessory organs and epididymis in a dose and tissue dependent manner. Since, detrimental effects were observed only at higher dose, thus, uses of CuNPs would be safe for reproductive organs at lower dose, even for the prolonged duration. Research Highlights: Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) impairs the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle, and prostate.CuNPs affects the epididymis and accessory organ in a dose and tissue dependant manner.CuNPs only at higher dose and longer duration has negative impact on the organs.The lower dose would be safer for reproductive organs even for longer duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background To assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the diagnosis of tuberous vas deferens tuberculosis (VD TB) and improve the positive diagnostic rate of VD TB. Methods CEUS and routine ultrasound (US) images of 17 patients with tuberous VD TB confirmed by surgery, pathology, or laboratory semen examination were retrospectively analyzed and summarized, and the positive rates of both imaging techniques were compared. Results The 19 VD lesions of the 17 patients were divided into two types according to the CEUS findings: Type I and Type II, and type II was divided into Types IIa, IIb, and IIc. Of the nodules with transverse diameters > 1 cm, 100% presented as type II. Of the nodules with transverse diameters

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and the importance of preperitoneal vas deferens (VD) infiltration in high‐risk prostate cancer (PCa). Patients and Methods In this prospectively designed study, we included 332 high‐risk PCa patients with a Briganti score >5%, who were treated by robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy between July 2017 and February 2022 at the Urology Department, SLK Kliniken Heilbronn. In addition to the standard histological analysis of the distal VD, which was attached to the prostate specimen, we analysed the infiltration status of preperitoneal VD in this cohort. The preperitoneal VD, which represents the middle part of ductus deferens and extends between the internal inguinal ring and obturator fossa, was resected during extended pelvic lymphadenectomy. Distal and preperitoneal VD status was registered together with preoperative and postoperative disease characteristics. Descriptive analysis methods and logistic regression analysis were used. Results Briganti score of the target cohort had a median value of 19%, while 235 patients (70.8%) of the group demonstrated a locally advanced disease. The Grade Group at prostatectomy specimen was at least 3 for 286 patients (86.1%). Distal VD infiltration was found in 20 patients (6%) and preperitoneal VD infiltration in two patients (0.6%). Distal VD infiltration was not associated with an increased possibility for positive surgical margins or nodal status among pT3b patients, while both patients with preperitoneal VD infiltration were characterized by highly aggressive disease in locally advanced stage and bilateral distal VD infiltration. Conclusions PCa extension along VD may reach a more proximal point of VD than the reported from the existing data infiltration of VD adjacent to seminal vesicles. This rare manifestation of PCa local extension may be the intermediate step to the rare cases of recurrence in the testicles. However, more robust data are needed to confirm the aforementioned hypothesis. Distal VD infiltration seems to have no additional prognostic value among patients with infiltrated seminal vesicles.

Over 8% of couples worldwide are affected by infertility and nearly half of these cases are due to male-specific issues where the underlying cause is often unknown. Therefore, discovery of new genetic factors contributing to malespecific infertility in model organisms can enhance our understanding of the etiology of this disorder. Here we show that murine ATP10A, a phospholipid flippase, is highly expressed in male reproductive organs, specifically the testes and vas deferens. Therefore, we tested the influence of ATP10A on reproduction by examining fertility of Atp10A knockout mice. Our findings reveal that Atp10A deficiency leads to male-specific infertility, but does not perturb fertility in the females. The Atp10A deficient male mice exhibit smaller testes, reduced sperm count (oligozoospermia) and lower sperm motility (asthenozoospermia). Additionally, Atp10A deficient mice display testes and vas deferens histopathological abnormalities, as well as altered total and relative amounts of hormones associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Surprisingly, circulating testosterone is elevated 2-fold in the Atp10A knockout mice while luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and inhibin B levels were not significantly different from WT littermates. The knockout mice also exhibit elevated levels of gonadotropin receptors and alterations to ERK, p38 MAPK, Akt, and cPLA2-dependent signaling in the testes. Atp10A was knocked out in the C57BL/6J background, which also carries an inactivating nonsense mutation in the closely related lipid flippase, Atp10D. We have corrected the Atp10D nonsense mutation using CRISPR/Cas9 and determined that loss of Atp10A alone is sufficient to cause infertility in male mice. Collectively, these findings highlight the critical role of ATP10A in male fertility in mice and provide valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the genus Dugesia from Southern China are described by applying an integrative approach, including morphological, karyological, histological, and molecular information. In the molecular phylogenetic tree, the two new species, Dugesia pendula Chen & Dong, sp. nov. and Dugesia musculosa Chen & Dong, sp. nov., fall into an Eastern Palearctic/Oriental clade and an Oriental/Australasian clade, respectively, while sharing only a rather distant relationship. The separate specific status of the two new species is supported also by their genetic distances. Dugesia pendula is characterized by the following features: symmetrical openings of the oviducts into the bursal canal, a duct between seminal vesicle and diaphragm, small diaphragm, dorsally located seminal vesicle, a penis papilla suspended from the dorsal wall of the male atrium, and mixoploid karyotype with diploid complements of 2 n = 2 x = 14 + 0 − 1 B-chromosome and triploid complements of 2 n = 3 x = 21 + 0 − 1 B-chromosome, with all chromosomes being metacentric. Dugesia musculosa is characterized by the following features: asymmetrical openings of the oviducts into the bursal canal; a ventrally displaced ejaculatory duct with a terminal opening; two diaphragms; a bursal canal provided with a strong, thick layer of circular muscle, which extends from the copulatory bursa to the common atrium and gonoduct; the left vas deferens opening at the midlateral wall of the seminal vesicle, while the right sperm duct opens at the dorsolateral wall of the seminal vesicle; and karyotype consisting of complicated diploid and aneuploid mosaicism, with diploid complements of 2 n = 2 x = 16 and 2 n = 2 x = 16 − 1 7th-18th, with all chromosomes being metacentric. The uncommon karyotypes, combined with the asexual reproduction of aneuploid animals, are evaluated in the context of the relationship between ploidy levels and reproductive modalities in the genus Dugesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding bulls are well suited to investigate inherited variation in male fertility because they are genotyped and their reproductive success is monitored through semen analyses and thousands of artificial inseminations. However, functional data from relevant tissues are lacking in cattle, which prevents fine-mapping fertility-associated genomic regions. Here, we characterize gene expression and splicing variation in testis, epididymis, and vas deferens transcriptomes of 118 mature bulls and conduct association tests between 414,667 molecular phenotypes and 21,501,032 genome-wide variants to identify 41,156 regulatory loci. We show broad consensus in tissue-specific and tissue-enriched gene expression between the three bovine tissues and their human and murine counterparts. Expression- and splicing-mediating variants are more than three times as frequent in testis than epididymis and vas deferens, highlighting the transcriptional complexity of testis. Finally, we identify genes (WDR19, SPATA16, KCTD19, ZDHHC1) and molecular phenotypes that are associated with quantitative variation in male fertility through transcriptome-wide association and colocalization analyses. Investigating the genetics of male fertility requires comprehensive genotype and phenotype data. Here, the authors characterize the transcriptional complexity of bovine male reproductive tissues to identify loci associated with male fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing incidence of male infertility in humans and animals creates the need to search for new factors that significantly affect the course of reproductive processes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the temporospatial expression of aquaglyceroporins (AQP3, AQP7 and AQP9) in the bovine (Bos taurus) reproductive system using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The study also included morphological analysis and identification of GATA-4. In brief, in immature individuals, AQP3 and AQP7 were found in gonocytes. In reproductive bulls, AQP3 was observed in spermatocytes and spermatogonia, while AQP7 was visible in all germ cells and the Sertoli cells. AQP7 and AQP9 were detected in the Leydig cells. Along the entire epididymis of reproductive bulls, aquaglyceroporins were visible, among others, in basal cells (AQP3 and AQP7), in epididymal sperm (AQP7) and in the stereocilia of the principal cells (AQP9). In males of all ages, aquaglyceroporins were identified in the principal and basal cells of the vas deferens. An increase in the expression of AQP3 in the testis and cauda epididymis and a decrease in the abundance of AQP7 in the vas deferens with age were found. In conclusion, age-related changes in the expression and/or distribution patterns of AQP3, AQP7 and AQP9 indicate the involvement of these proteins in the normal development and course of male reproductive processes in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the diagnosis of tuberous vas deferens tuberculosis (VD TB) and improve the positive diagnostic rate of VD TB. Methods: CEUS and routine ultrasound (US) images of 17 patients with tuberous VD TB confirmed by surgery, pathology, or laboratory semen examination were retrospectively analyzed and summarized, and the positive rates of both imaging techniques were compared. Results: The 19 VD lesions of the 17 patients were divided into two types according to the CEUS findings: Type I and Type II, and type II was divided into Types IIa, IIb, and IIc. Of the nodules with transverse diameters > 1 cm, 100% presented as type II. Of the nodules with transverse diameters < 1 cm, 37.5% (3/8) presented as type I and 62.5% (5/8) presented as type II. The sonographic manifestations of tuberous VD TB were hypoechoic and mixed echoic. The positive diagnostic rate was 89.5% for CEUS and 68.4% for US, but the difference was not significant (χ2 = 2.533; P = 0.111). Conclusions: CEUS was able to show the blood supply characteristics of tuberous VD TB, the internal necrosis of nodules was more easily observed by CEUS than by routine US, which is helpful for the diagnosis of tuberous VD TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) is an alternative to open repair for pediatric inguinal hernias; however, its application for boys remains controversial. In this study, we developed a technique to enhance the safety and feasibility of LPEC. Material and Surgical Technique: In our technique, forceps are used to pull up the peritoneum ahead on the route, creating a space between the peritoneum and structures, including gonadal vessels and vas deferens. This potentially decreases the risk of perioperative injury of these structures. This technique also allows the needle to pass on the shortest course around the inguinal ring without crossing the vas deferens, possibly lowering the likelihood of injury and preventing excessively high ligation of the vaginalis process. Discussion: Our technique diversifies the LPEC methods, thereby augmenting the feasibility and safety of the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder rarely found in Asian populations. Most males with CF are infertile because of obstructive azoospermia (OA) caused by congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). Compound heterozygous mutations of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) are among the most common pathogenic factors in CBAVD. However, few genealogical analyses have been performed. Methods: In this study, whole‐exome sequencing and cosegregation analysis were performed in a Chinese pedigree involving two siblings with CBAVD. Moreover, in vitro gene expressions were used to analyze the pathogenicity of a novel CFTR mutation. Results: We identified compound heterozygous mutations of CFTR comprising the known disease‐causing variant c.1210‐11T>G (also known as IVS9‐5 T) and c.2144delA;p.q715fs in two siblings with CBAVD. To verify the effects in vitro, we transfected vectors expressing wild‐type and mutated CFTR into 293T cells. The results showed that the CFTR protein containing the frameshift mutation (c.2144delA) was 60 kD smaller. With testicular sperm aspiration/intracytoplasmic sperm injection‐embryo transfer (TESA/ICSI‐ET), both CBAVD patients fathered healthy offspring. Conclusion: Our study revealed that compound heterozygous mutations of CFTR are involved in CBAVD, expanding the known CFTR gene mutation spectrum of CBAVD patients and providing more evidence that compound heterozygous mutations can cause familial CBAVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some aquatic invertebrates contain free d -alanine. We previously showed copious amounts of free d -glutamate, a novel d -amino acid, in the tissue of the male reproductive organs of Marsupenaeus japonicus. Herein, we clarified the distribution and potential role of d -glutamate and d -alanine in male reproductive tissues, namely the testis, vas deferens and seminal receptacle at different growth stages of M. japonicus. The percentage of d -glutamate to total glutamate was over 50% in these tissues. In particular, the content of d -glutamate was the most abundant in the vas deferens, the ratio of d -glutamate to total glutamate was approximately 80%. In contrast, d -alanine content was the lowest in the vas deferens among these tissues. d -Glutamate content was the highest when the prawn weighed 12 g, indicating that d -glutamate is actively synthesized in the younger stage. Our findings suggest that d -glutamate plays an important role in the reproductive functions of M. japonicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cercopis vulnerata (red-and-black froghopper) is a species of leafhopper that can be configured as a pest, as it is polyphagous and causes damage to the fruits of many plant species, including agricultural crops. In this study, the morphology of the male reproductive system of C. vulnerata was examined under light and scanning electron microscopy. The male reproductive system of C. vulnerata consists of two testes, two vasa deferentia, two seminal vesicles, three pairs of accessory glands, one ejaculatory duct and an aedeagus. The testis has one testicular follicle, which is filled with spermatozoa. The wall of the vas deferens is surrounded by a monolayer cubic epithelium and sheath. There are slender, long and clumps of spermatozoa in its lumen. The first and third pairs of accessory glands are surrounded by monolayer cubic epithelium, whereas the second pair is surrounded by monolayer cylindrical epithelium. In the second pair of the accessory gland, secretory granules are more abundant. The ejaculatory duct is surrounded by a monolayer cubical epithelium with round nuclei. The epithelial layer folds toward the lumen. Knowledge of male reproductive histology and anatomy can be used to infer function, thus providing key information for future research and systematic studies into reproductive morphology in Hemiptera, including Cercopidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the male reproductive system histology and anatomy of Melanophila picta decastigma were examined with light and scanning electron microscope. At the end of the examinations, it was seen that the male reproductive system of M. picta decastigma has a pair of testes, vasa deferentia, accessory glands, spermatophoral glands, an ejaculatory duct and an aedeagus. The testes are yellowish proximally and white distally. Each testis has seven follicles. Spermatocytes are grouped in the growth zone; bundles of spermatids are evident in the maturation zone that differentiate into spermatozoa in the differentiation zone. The vas deferens attaches to the proximal part of the testis. The vas deferens is long, coiled and contains spermatozoa. The wall of the vas deferens is surrounded medially by a monolayer cubical epithelium with round nuclei. It opens into the ejaculatory duct proximal to the vas deferens. Another structure that opens into the ejaculatory duct is the spermatophoral glands. In the longitudinal sections of the spermatophoral glands, is distinguished that they are filled with eosinophilic secretory material in the lumen. The wall of the gland is surrounded by multilayer epithelium and a thin layer of muscle. The ejaculatory duct wall is surrounded by a monolayer of epithelium and a rather thick layer of muscle. The ejaculatory duct connects with the aedeagus at its proximal end. As a result of the researches, there is no study on the reproductive system of the genus Melanophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]