A study on population-based prenatal screening and diagnosis of Down's syndrome in Jiangsu province / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To screen and diagnose Down's syndrome during mid-term pregnancy to reduce the number of babies with Down's syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>With the multi-level of stratified cluster sampling, twenty thousand and eight hundred and three women at 15-20 weeks gestation were screened by maternal serum AFP and beta-hCG using the time resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA). Then the screened high-risk women were diagnosed by amniocentesis, cell culture and chromosome analyses. The born children were diagnosed by follow-up and peripheral blood chromosome analyses.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Six fetuses were diagnosed by serum screening and amniotic fluid chromosome analyses, and 3 born children were diagnosed by follow-up and peripheral blood chromosome analyses. Nine cases of Down's syndrome were detected in total, with the positive prenatal screen rate being 67% (6/9).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prenatal screening and diagnosis can reduce the birth of Down's syndrome patients and improve the population quality. However, the diagnosis accuracy still needs to be improved to further reduce the false negative rate and prevent misdiagnosis.</p>

Long-term toxicity of Shen Yan Ling tablet and its effect on male reproductive function in rats / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Shen Yan Ling Tablet is an innovative compound of traditional Chinese medicine, scientifically prepared with Tripterygium wilfordii, Radix Astragali, and others, with precise efficacy on renal diseases and reduced adverse effects of Tripterygium wilfordii. Based on the Guiding Principles for New Drug Toxicity Research Before Clinical Application, we investigated the long-term toxicity of Shen Yan Ling Tablet and its effect on the reproductive function in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>According to the clinical therapeutic dose and the results of the acute toxicity test of Shen Yan Ling Tablet, we equally divided 80 rats (males and females half-and-half) into a low-dose (1.25 g/kg body wt), a medium-dose (2.50 g/kg body wt), a high-dose (5.00 g/kg body wt) and a control group. After a 3-month medication, we conducted standardized long-term toxicity tests and observed the effects of Shen Yan Ling on the serum sexual hormones and epididymal sperm count.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 3 months of treatment with Shen Yan Ling, no death occurred, the general status remained unchanged, and the parameters of blood cytology and biochemistry fluctuated within the normal range, without any significant changes (P > 0.05). Some blood parameters, RBC, WBC, HGB, AST and TBIL, showed statistic changes (P < 0.05), but with no clinical significance. There were no significant differences in the mass coefficients of the main organs between the medication and control groups. The high-dose group exhibited slight hepatic and pulmonary pathological changes and significantly reduced sperm counts in the epididymis, but no significant changes in serum sexual hormones (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Three-month medication of Shen Yan Ling at 1.25 - 5.00 g/kg produced no significant accumulated toxicity on rats, but it had a negative effect on their reproductive function at a higher dose of > or = 5.00 g/kg.</p>

Changes of semen parameters in Chinese fertile men in the past 25 years / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the changes of seminal parameters in Chinese fertile men during the past 25 years.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We collected semen samples from 5,834 fertile men in 14 different provinces (including Beijing) between 1980 and 2005 and retrospectively studied their seminal parameters, abstinence durations and total testis volumes by meta-analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the first 15 years, a significant decrease was observed in both sperm density and total number of sperm per ejaculate in the semen samples collected between 1996-2000 (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05), but not obvious in those between 1996-2000 and after 2005 (P > 0.05). As for sperm motility, no time-related changes were noted (P > 0.05) except a reduction with the increase of age.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There was a decline in sperm density and total number of sperm per ejaculate in Chinese fertile men over the past 25 years, although not significant in the latter 10 years since 1996, but with no time-related changes in sperm motility.</p>

Effect of selective 5alpha-reductase inhibitor or/and testosterone undecanoate on the reproductive function of male rats / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate whether 5alpha-reductase inhibitor and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) play a role in spermatogenesis in male rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-two male rats were divided into 4 groups (Groups C, T, F and FT). Group C received plant oil injection and oral starch perfusion, Group T testosterone undecanoate (TU, 20 mg/kg) injection and oral starch perfusion, Group F plant oil injection and oral Finasteride perfusion, and Group FT TU (20 mg/kg) injection and oral Finasteride perfusion. Data on serum T and DHT, sperm count, sperm mobility and reproductive function were collected and analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, Finasteride and TU reduced the weight of the testis and epididymis in the experiment groups compared with the negative control (Group C), but TU increased the weight of the prostate while Finasteride decreased it compared with the positive control (Group T). TU combined with Finasteride could counteract the effect of the weight increase of the prostate, but not that of the testis. (2) Finasteride, or Finasteride combined with TU, reduced the DHT but increased the testosterone level in comparison with the control group. (3) Both Finasteride and TU could inhibit epididymal sperm count and reproductive function compared with the control, but the effect was less significant in Group FT than in Group F.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>High dosages of 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, Finasteride, can suppress male reproductive function, but the inhibiting effect could be counteracted by administration of 5alpha-reductase inhibitor along with TU.</p>

Experiment on the sexual virility of immature mice immunized with LHRH fusion protein vaccine / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the sexual virility of immature immature male mice were divided into a pre-ablactation group (n 10). The first two groups were immunized with the LHRH fusion proportion of pregnant female mice, the morphological and histological examined to conform the emasculating effect of the vaccine. When ted with testosterone (1.0 ml each) , the post-ablactation ones were rameters.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The sexual virility of the immature mice immunized in 3 -4 months.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The LHRH fusion protein vaccine mice after ablactation, and the sexual virility can recover in the pre-ablactation decrease.</p>

Effect of large-dosage of 5alpha-reductase inhibitors on the spermatogenesis of male rats / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the role of 5alpha-reductase in the spermatogenesis of male rats by studying the effect of two 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, Epristeride and Finasteride, on the spermatogenesis in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Changes in the weight of the testis, serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels, epididymal sperm count, and reproductive function were observed and analyzed after the two 5alpha-reductase inhibitors were administered to male SD rats orally.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The experiment showed that in comparison with control animals, both the two 5alpha-reductase inhibitors: 1. suppressed the development of the prostate and reduced the weight of the testis in the experimental groups (P < 0.05); 2. decreased the serum level of dihydrotestosterone and enhanced testosterone; 3. inhibited epididymal sperm count and productive function.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>High dosages of the 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, Epristeride, can suppress the development of the prostate and reduce the weight of the testis, decrease dihydrotestosterone, and inhibit spermatogenesis and productive function in male rats.</p>

Quantitative (stereological) study of incomplete spermatogenic suppression induced by testosterone undecanoate injection in rats / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To evaluate the key lesions in spermatogenesis suppressed partially by testosterone undecanoate (TU) treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adult male SD rats were treated with vehicle or TU (19 mg/kg) injection (i.m.) every 15 days for 130 days. The numbers of all types of cells (nuclei) in the seminiferous tubules and the interstitial tissue were estimated using a contemporary stereological tool, the optical disector.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In response to TU treatment, the numbers of non-type B spermatogonia, type B spermatogonia and late elongated spermatids per testis were reduced to 51 %, 66 % and 14 % of the controls, respectively. The conversion ratios from type B spermatogonia to early spermatocytes and pachytene spermatocytes were not significantly affected and the ratios to the later germ cell types fell to 51 % - 65 % of the controls. Less than 1.0 % of immature round spermatids were seen sloughing into the tubule lumen, 4.0 % of elongated spermatids retained in the seminiferous epithelium, and about half of the elongated spermatid nuclei appreciably malformed. Leydig cells were atrophied but their number and the peritubular myoid cell number per testis were unchanged.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Double inhibition of spermatogenesis (i.e. inhibition at spermiation and spermatogonial conversion to type B spermatogonia), a scenario seen in the monkey and human following gonadotrophin withdrawal, was not sufficiently effective for a complete spermatogenic suppression in the rat after TU treatment, probably due to ineffective inhibition of the Leydig cell population and therefore the intra-testicular testosterone levels.</p>

Study of three-dimensional reconstruction of digitized virtual hepatic images / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the methods of three-dimensional reconstruction of digitized virtual hepatic.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Images of DSCF 2511-2520 were taken from the database of digitized Virtual Chinese Human female No. 1 (VCH-F1). Method of insertion value algorithm of three-dimensional reconstruction was used to make three-dimensional block diagram. In ordering to auto-judge the position of hepatic solid and hepatic ducts, these images were shown with different colors according to the character of color and location of every spot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Stereo image of hepatic solid could be shown satisfactorily. Every shape of stereo image and the structure of hepatic duct could be shown by revolving the three-dimensional image with different direction.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The image of hepatic database of digitized Virtual Chinese female No. 1 was exact. The three-dimensional image of the liver and hepatic duct made by insertion value algorithm of three-dimensional reconstruction were distinct, and it was a ideal method of three-dimensional reconstruction.</p>

Effect of androgen on erythropoietin in patients with hypogonadism / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To observe the change of erythropoietin (EPO) in patients of hypogonadism who received androgen replacement treatment and explore the mechanism of androgen-induced increase of red blood cells and haemoglobin.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight patients with Klinefelter's syndrome, divided into two groups, received TU intramuscular injections of 500 mg or 1000 mg dose, respectively. After three months, seven patients received the second injection of crossover dose. Testosterone levels in serum were measured with RIA before and after the injections treatment. RBC count, impacted volume of blood cells and haemoglobin concentration were measured before treatment and 4, 8 weeks after treatment. At the same interval, EPO levels were measured with ELISA method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Development of the secondary sex characters was improved in all patients after the TU injection. Serum testosterone levels raised significantly and reached the peak one week after the injections. Effective level of testosterone lasted for over 6 weeks. RBC count, impacted volume of blood cells and haemoglobin increased at different degrees after TU injections, but these changes were not significant in statistic(P < 0.05). The increased levels remained for 8 weeks. EPO levels were elevated significantly (P < 0.01 or 0.05) after the TU injection(Pbat > 0.05). The second injection could still make the EPO level go up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Androgen replacement treatment can increase the EPO levels in patients of hypogonadism, which is one of the mechanism of RBC production increase.</p>

Studies and progress of male hormonal contraception / 中华男科学杂志

It has become more and more urgent to develop a safe, effective, recoverable and acceptable contraceptive for males. Decades of studies have made much progress on male hormonal contraception, one of the promising contraceptive methods. The principle is based on the suppression of pituitary gonadotropin and intratesticular testosterone, then the suppression of spermatogenesis, and the supplement of androgen to maintain the male characteristics and sexual function. There are many male hormonal contraceptive methods being studied include androgen, androgen combined with progesterone, GnRH antagonists combined with androgen, as well as immunological methods. To develop a safe and convenient androgen preparation with longer action and fewer side effects is also one of the key items of present research in this field.

Androgen replacement therapy for hypogonadal men / 中华男科学杂志

Male hypogonadism is a group of syndromes in clinic andrology characterized by complete or partial androgen deficiency. It can be divided into primary and secondary hypogonadism. Besides the etiological treatment, androgen replacement therapy should be adopted in all patients of primary hypogonadism and patients of secondary hypogonadism who do not have the need of having a child. For patient's benefits, androgen should be used and selected properly as there are so many androgen preparation at present.

Experimental research on spontaneous benign prostatic hyperplasia in old dogs / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the pathoanatomize histological and biochemical characteristics of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by use of old dogs with spontaneous BPH as animal models.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Old dogs aged 6 to 13 years were recruited after anus check, B-ultrasonic examination by recta spy and measurement under surgical exploration. Ten dogs with notable prostatic hyperplasia were used as models, and 6 with non-hyperplasia prostate as control. Serum testosterone (T), estrogen (E2), ACP and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) were analyzed, and prostates were checked histologically.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Prostate volume of the BPH group was significantly bigger than those of the control group, (14.7 +/- 2.3) and (13.8 +/- 1.9) cm3 vs (8.4 +/- 1.0) and (8.4 +/- 1.9) cm3, P < 0.01. Serum T [(14.3 +/- 2.9) vs (16.4 +/- 4.0) nmol/L] and E2 [(137.6 +/- 70.8) vs (164.4 +/- 82.0) pmol/L] were not different between the two groups (P > 0.05). ACP of the BPH group was higher than that of the control group [(6.63 +/- 2.76) vs (4.92 +/- 2.19) U/L], but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was significant difference between the BPH group and the control group in PSA level [(5.6 +/- 0.78) vs (3.1 +/- 0.54) microgram/L, P < 0.01]. The tissue slides of the BPH prostates showed hyperplasia with raised height of epithelium, and many long and offsetting mammillae in the gland cavity due to epithelium hyperplasia.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Old dogs with spontaneous BPH are useful animal models for the etiological and pharmacological researches of human BPH.</p>

Effect of MPA and MPA + TU on the rat spermatogenesis and sexual hormones / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the effect of administration of MPA with/without TU on serum sexual hormones and spermatogenesis of male rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty rats had been classified into four groups. Each group received injection of saline(group A) or MPA(37.5 or 75 mg/kg) (group B or group C, respectively) or MPA (75 mg/kg) + TU (25 mg/kg) (group D) every month during three months. Data from serum sexual hormones (FSH, LH, T), sperm counting and motility had been collected and analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Spermatogenesis of rats undergoing administration of MPA with or without TU had been suppressed. Serum FSH and LH of group B, C, D declined, and so did serum T of group D. Testis of rats of group D atrophied and sperm counting of group D decreased remarkably compared with group B and C. But there was no statistics difference of the sexual hormone level among group B, C and D.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Administration of MPA alone could suppress the levels of FSH and LH and block the spermatogenesis of male rats. MPA combined with TU could offer stronger suppression on spermatogenesis. Mechanism of the suppression on spermatogenesis of MPA + TU is not only limited in the feed-back of gonadotropin, but there maybe exist a direct suppression on testis.</p>

Study on the male contraceptive based on epididymis / 中华男科学杂志

More and more study on the epididymal function and sperm maturation has shown that epididymis will be one of the best target organs of male contraception, although at present there is not a male contraceptive medicine based on epididymis for clinical practice. The promoting research aspects in epididymal contraception in animal included affecting directly epididymis (such as Sulpasalazine), interfering energy metabolism and sperm mobility (such as Chlorinated Glycerol), altering the internal environment of epididymis (such as copper particles and TW19). The epididymal specific proteins could bring out some new target antigens for immunological contraception, to produce contraceptive vaccine. Some special genes, which expressed distinctively in epididymis such as SC342, bin1, have been cloned and studied on their function. These works would be helpful not only for clinical diagnosis and treatment of epididymitis and male infertility, but also for male contraceptive research and progress.