Pediatric primary extra-ovarian Sertoli Leydig cell tumor of the retroperitoneum

Ovarian Sertoli Leydig cell tumors (SLCT) accounts for less than 0.5% of all ovarian malignancies. The incidence of primary extra-ovarian SLCT is extremely rare with reported cases occurring in young adult women till now. We report case of primary retroperitoneal extra-ovarian SLCT in a seven-year girl child without any hormonal manifestation. She presented with complaint of left side abdominal swelling associated with intermittent pain for a duration of six months. CT scan revealed a huge retroperitoneal space-occupying lesion abutting the dorsal vertebrae and present posterior to pancreas, spleen and left kidney. The tumor was diagnosed as extraovarian Sertoli Leydig cell tumor with intermediate differentiation on histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

Leydig cell tumor of ovary with hyperandrogenism: a case report and literature review / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Ovarian Leydig cell tumor(LCT), also known as ovarian testicular stromal cell tumor, is a rare sex cord stromal tumor, accounting for about 0.1% of all ovarian tumors. LCT is often accompanied by clinical manifestations of elevated androgen, and the imaging manifestations sometimes lack specificity. The diagnosis requires histopathological examination. Surgery is the primary treatment method, and postoperative prognosis is generally favorable. This paper retrospectively analyzes the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with LCT in our hospital combining relevant literature, explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment progress of LCT, aiming to improve disease management.

Current status and reflections on stem cell transplantation in the treatment of testicular aging / 器官移植

Testicular aging is mainly characterized by a gradual decline in the capability of testosterone synthesis and spermatogenesis, which not only affects male fertility, but also correlates with aging-related chronic diseases intimately. Therefore, delaying testicular aging plays a significant role in improving the health and quality of life of middle-aged and elderly men. Stem cells are a cell group with potent self-renewal capability and multi-directional differentiation potential. In recent years, the research of stem cells in basic and clinical application has been carried out in-depth, which has accelerated the development of cell therapy. Currently, stem cell transplantation has been employed to treat multiple diseases, which has captivated widespread attention in the field of aging and regenerative medicine. Stem cell transplantation has demonstrated promising prospects in the treatment of testicular aging. In this article, research profile and progress of stem cell transplantation in the treatment of testicular aging were reviewed, and bottleneck issues encountered in clinical translation and strategies for optimizing clinical efficacy were discussed, aiming to provide novel ideas for the research and development and clinical translation of stem cell therapy for testicular aging.

Tumor de células de Sertoli-Leydig: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura reciente / Ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumour: a clinical case and recent basic literature review

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los tumores de células de Sertoli-Leydig son neoplasias de ovario infrecuentes, lo que dificulta su diagnóstico y tratamiento. OBJETIVO: Revisar y sintetizar el manejo actual de los tumores de células de Sertoli-Leydig. MÉTODO: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura reciente sobre tumores de células de Sertoli-Leydig, a propósito de un caso en nuestro centro. RESULTADOS: Los tumores de las células de Sertoli-Leydig son infrecuentes, con mayor incidencia en edades tempranas. Ante una paciente joven con una lesión anexial unilateral y signos de virilización deberán considerarse estos tumores dentro del diagnóstico diferencial. En los estadios iniciales y en pacientes jóvenes podrá plantearse un tratamiento quirúrgico que preserve la fertilidad, y la asociación de tratamiento adyuvante dependerá de la diferenciación y del estadiaje del tumor.

INTRODUCTION: Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are infrequent ovarian neoplasms, which difficults their diagnosis and treatment. Objective: To review and synthesize the current management of the Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor. METHOD: A review of the recent literature regarding the Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor was carried out, regarding a case in our center. RESULTS: Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are an infrequent entity, with a higher incidence in early ages. In a young patient with a unilateral adnexal lesion and signs of virilization, these tumors should be considered within the differential diagnosis. In early stages and young patients, a surgical treatment that preserves fertility may be considered, and the association of adjuvant treatment will depend on the differentiation and staging of the tumor.

Sex cord stromal tumor of ovary masquerading as polycystic ovarian syndrome

Virilization is a portentous sign that suggests the possibility of an ovarian or adrenal neoplasm. Diagnosis may be delayed in some patients due to nonspecific symptoms and overlapping symptoms with that of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). However, it must be remembered that PCOS usually causes mild to moderate elevation of serum testosterone with hirsutism whereas serum testosterone levels are many times elevated in cases of androgen secreting tumors and virilization is a norm. So high testosterone level with new onset virilization rule out PCOS. Authors are reporting two cases of Sertoli Leydig cell tumor despite their similar histopathology and equivalent levels of serum testosterone had a varied clinical spectrum of virilization.

Androgenic alopecia in post-menopausal female: a clinical presentation

Androgenic alopecia is a patterned hair loss occurring due to systemic androgens and genetic factors. It is the most common cause of hair loss in both genders. The appearance of this condition is the cause of significant stress and psychological problems, making appropriate management important. A 68-year-old postmenopausal female presented with complaints of increased hair loss from scalp, excessive hair growth at undesired sites and hirsutism not corrected with medications. On thorough investigations, CT scan whole abdomen and endocrinological workup, a clinical diagnosis of alopecia and hirsutism due to hyperandrogenemia secondary to ovarian tumor made. Abdominal hysterectomy with B/L salpingo-oophorectomy was done. Histopathological examination revealed an encapsulated tumor in right ovary-sex cord stromal tumor consistent with Leydig cell tumor in right ovary, no evidence of malignancy. Left ovary was normal. Patient showed significant regression of clinical signs and symptoms on follow up after 1 month. All women with severe hirsutism or androgenic alopecia needs further work up to locate the source of androgen over production.

Tumor de células de Leydig puro de ovario en mujer premenopáusica / Pure Leydig cell tumor of the ovary in a premenopausal woman / Pure Leydig cell tumor of the ovary in a premenopausal woman

RESUMEN Los tumores de células de Leydig del ovario son un tipo raro de tumores del estroma del cordón sexual, con menos de 0,1% de todos los tumores de ovario. Representan un desafío diagnóstico, no solo por su incidencia esporádica sino también por presentar imágenes aparentemente normales. Aunque son más comunes en las mujeres menopaúsicas, también se ha descrito casos en mujeres premenopáusicas. La característica clínica más común es la aparición de virilización rápida y progresiva; más de 75% de las pacientes muestra signos de virilización debido a la sobreproducción de testosterona. La concentración sérica de testosterona representa el marcador más útil en el diagnóstico del tumor ovárico secretor de andrógenos. El tumor de células de Leydig ovárico siempre debe ser considerado en mujer en edad reproductiva con síntomas de virilización. Se presenta un caso de tumor de células de Leydig puro de ovario en mujer premenopáusica.

ABSTRACT Leydig cell tumors of the ovary are a rare type of sex cord-stromal tumors, corresponding to less than 0.1% of all ovarian neoplasms. With a low incidence and frequent false-negative imaging results, these tumors represent a diagnostic challenge. Although more common in menopause, cases have also been described in premenopausal women. The most common clinical feature is rapidly progressive virilization; over 75% of patients show signs of virilization due to testosterone overproduction. Serum testosterone concentration is the most useful marker for diagnosing androgen-secreting tumors of the ovary. Leydig cell tumors should always be considered in women of reproductive age with virilization symptoms. We present the case of a pure Leydig cell tumor of the ovary in a premenopausal woman.

Huge Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor: a rare case report

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs), constitute less than 0.5% of all ovarian tumors. SLCT are rare after menopause (less than10%), 75 years, unmarried, postmenopausal since 30 years, presented with complaints of abdominal swelling. On examination, abdominal mass of 36 weeks, hard, immobile felt. Ultrasonography of abdomen showed lobulated solid cystic lesion of size 22 x 15 x 27 cms with bilateral ovaries not separately visualized. Moderate free fluid in the abdomen, suggestive of malignant neoplastic etiology. CECT Abdomen + pelvis suggestive of primary ovarian malignancy with omental deposits and pelvic adenopathy. CA 125- 415.1 Patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with huge tumour mass excision (weight 5.25 kg) with umbilical hernia repair. Frozen section suggestive of a huge mass of 30 x 20 x 15 cm, multilobulated, yellowish white tan in colour, solid-cystic in consistency, seen arising from right ovary. Omentum appears normal. Histopathology report s/o- Moderately differentiated Sertoli Leydig cell tumor. Reporting the first, this huge, in this age group with atypical presentation.

Effect of bisphenol A exposure on the expression of DNA methyltransferase gene in TM3 cells / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of bisphenol A exposure on the expression of DNA methyltransferase(Dnmt) gene in mouse Leydig cell line TM3 cells. METHODS: TM3 cells were randomly divided into 0, 20, 50, 125 and 300 μmol/L dose group(0 μmol/L dose group was the control group). Cells were treated with various concentration of bisphenol A solution for 24 hours.The viability of TM3 cells was determined by CCK-8 method, and the mRNA expression of Dnmt1, Dnmt3 a and Dnmt3 b was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS:The viability of TM3 cells decreased with the increasing doses of bisphenol A(P<0.01). The relative mRNA expression of Dnmt1 in TM3 cells decreased with the increase of doses of bisphenol A(P<0.01).The relative mRNA expression of Dnmt3 b in TM3 cells in the 20, 50, 125, 300 μmol/L dose group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistical significant difference in the relative mRNA expression of Dnmt3 a in TM3 cells in these 5 groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Bisphenol exposure is cytotoxic to TM3 cells. This toxic effect may be related to changes in Dnmt mRNA expression.

Malignant leydig cell tumor in a 91-year-old man: Case report

ABSTRACT Testicle tumors are a rare entity among men population, accounting for only 1-1.5% of all cancers among men. The stromal tumors of the sexual cord correspond just 4% of all testicular cancers. Only 10% of them are malignant. The major representative of the sex cord-stromal tumors is the Leydig cell tumor, corresponding to 75 to 80% of the total. It has bimodal age incidence, involving children and adults between 30 and 60 years. We report the caso of a 91-year-old man with malignant Leydig cell tumor, presenting increase of the volume of scrotum, local pain and hyperemia. The are few cases in the literature, only 1 with pacient above 85 years old.

Ovarian sertoli-leydig cell tumors: epidemiological, clinical and prognostic factors / Tumores de células de Sertoli-Leydig ovarianos: fatores epidemiológicos, clínicos e prognósticos

Abstract Objective To describe a series of cases of ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs). Methods Retrospective review of 12 cases of SLCT treated at the Hospital do Câncer de Barretos, Barretos, state of São Paulo, Brazil, between October 2009 and August 2017. Results The median age of the patients was 31 years old (15-71 years old). A total of 9 patients (75.0%) presented symptoms: 8 (66.7%) presented with abdominal pain, 5 (41.7%) presented with abdominal enlargement, 2 (16.7%) presentedwith virilizing signs, 2 (16.7%) presented with abnormal uterine bleeding, 1 (8.3%) presented with dyspareunia, and 1 (8.3%) presented with weight loss. The median preoperative lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was 504.5 U/L (138-569 U/L), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was 2.0 ng/ml (1.1-11.3 ng/ml), human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) was 0.6 mUI/ml (0.0-2.3 mUI/ml), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was 0.9 ng/ml (0.7-3.4 ng/ml), and cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) was 26.0 U/ml (19.1-147.0 U/ml). All of the tumors were unilateral and surgically treated. Lymphadenectomy was performed in 3 (25.0%) patients, but none of the three patients submitted to lymphadenectomy presented lymph node involvement. In the anatomopathological exam, 1 (8.3%) tumor was well-differentiated, 8 (66.7%) were moderately differentiated, and 3 (25.0%) were poorly differentiated. A total of 5 (55.6%) tumors were solid-cystic, 2 (22.2%) were purely cystic, 1 (11.1%) was cystic with vegetations, and 1 (11.1%) was purely solid, but for 3 patients this information was not available. The median lesion size was 14.2 cm (3.2-23.5 cm). All of the tumors were at stage IA of the 2014 classification of the International Federation ofGynecology andObstetrics (FIGO). A total of 2 (16.7%) patients received adjuvant treatment; 1 of themunderwent 3 cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin every 21days, and the other underwent 4 cycles of ifosfamide, cisplatin and etoposide every 21 days. None of all of the patients had recurrence, and one death related to complications after surgical staging occurred. Conclusion Abdominal pain was the most frequent presentation. There was no ultrasonographic pattern. All of the SLCTs were at stage IA, and most of them were moderately differentiated. Relapses did not occur, but one death related to the surgical staging occurred.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever uma série de casos de tumores de células de Sertoli-Leydig (TCSLs) ovarianos. Métodos Revisão retrospectiva de 12 casos de TCSL tratados no Hospital de Câncer de Barretos entre outubro de 2009 e agosto de 2017. Resultados A mediana de idade foi 31 anos (15-71 anos). Um total de 9 pacientes (75,0%) apresentaram sintomas: 8 (66,7%) apresentaram dor abdominal, 5 (41,7%) apresentaram aumento abdominal, 2 (16,7%) apresentaram virilização, 2 (16,7%) apresentaram sangramento uterino anormal, 1 (8,3%) apresentou dispareunia, e 1 (8,3%) apresentou emagrecimento. A mediana de desidrogenase láctica (DHL) foi 504,5 U/L (138-569 U/L), alfafetoproteína (AFP) foi 2,0 ng/ml (1,1-11,3 ng/ml), gonadotrofina coriônica humana (β-hCG) foi 0,6 mUI/ml (0,0-2,3 mUI/ml), antígeno carcinoembrionário (CEA) foi 0,9 ng/ml (0,7-3,4) ng/ml, e antígeno cancerígeno 125 (CA-125) foi 26,0 U/ml (19,1-147,0 U/ml), todos pré-operatórios. Todos os tumores foram unilaterais e tratados cirurgicamente. Realizou-se linfadenectomia em 3 (25,0%) pacientes, por em, nenhuma das tr^es apresentou acometimento linfonodal. No exame anatomopatológico, 1 tumor (8,3%) era bem diferenciado, 8 (66,7%) eram moderadamente diferenciados, e 3 (25,0%) eram pouco diferenciados. Um total de 5 (55,6%) tumores eram sólido-císticos, 2 (22,2%) eram puramente císticos, 1 (11,1%) era cístico com vegetações, e 1 (11,1%) era puramente sólido, mas para 3 pacientes estas informações não estavam disponíveis. A mediana da dimensão da lesão foi 14,2 cm (3,2-23,5 cm). Todos os tumores eram estádio IA de acordo com a classificação de 2014 da Federação Internacional de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (FIGO, na sigla em inglês). Duas (16,7%) pacientes receberam adjuvância; uma realizou 3 ciclos de paclitaxel e carboplatina a cada 21 dias, e a outra 4 ciclos de ifosfamida, cisplatina e etoposide a cada 21 dias. Dentre todas as pacientes, nenhuma apresentou recidiva e houve um óbito relacionado a complicações após estadiamento cirúrgico. Conclusão Dor abdominal foi a apresentação mais frequente. Todos os TCSLs eram estádio IA e a maioria era moderadamente diferenciada. Não ocorreram recidivas, mas ocorreu um óbito relacionado ao estadiamento cirúrgico.

Estudio de la expresión del receptor de vitamina D en la ontogenia del testículo y en tumores de células de leydig: posible interacción con el sistema histaminérgico

RESUMEN La vitamina D (VD), un esteroide pleiotrópico, ha sido relacionada con la función reproductiva masculina, pero aún no se ha estudiado la expresión de su receptor (RVD) en el desarrollo testicular. RVD regula la expresión de componentes del sistema histaminérgico, y la histamina (HA) modula la esteroidogénesis en células de Leydig (CL). Se ha relacionado a la deficiencia de VD con múltiples patologías, entre ellas cáncer. Los tumores de células de Leydig (TCL) son los más frecuentes del intersticio testicular, y al malignizar no responden a radio/quimioterapia. VD fue descripta como tratamiento para varios tumores, pero se desconoce su aplicación en TCL. Por lo expuesto, hemos estudiado la expresión de RVD en la ontogenia de testículo de rata, evaluando su correlación con los niveles de testosterona séricos (T) y el contenido de HA; y además evaluamos la expresión de RVD en testículo humano fetal, neonatal, prepuberal, TCL e hiperplasia de CL. En testículo de rata, se observó un aumento en la expresión de RVD en CL con la edad, en línea con el incremento de T, y en contraposición con la disminución del contenido de HA, lo cual fue consistente con la reducción en los niveles de la enzima que cataliza su síntesis, HDC. Esto sugiere que la VD podría ejercer una función en el desarrollo testicular normal, ya sea en forma directa sobre las CL o mediante la regulación de la expresión de componentes del sistema histaminérgico (HDC y/o receptores de HA). Por su parte, el TCL humano presentó sobreexpresión de RVD y HDC. Considerando que las hormonas esteroideas se encuentran aumentadas en esta patología y funcionan como factores de crecimiento, si el calcitriol pudiera modular la esteroidogénesis podría tener una aplicación terapéutica.

ABSTRACT Vitamin D (VD) is a steroid hormone traditionally related to bone health. However, several authors have associated VD with reproduction and steroidogenesis in males. The presence ofVD receptor (VDR) and the enzymes involved in its activation had been reported in several cell types of the testes. Until now, nobody has studied RVD expression during testicular development. In addition, VDR in association with its co-activators or co-repressors, regulates the expression of several genes, including those related to the histaminergic system. Previously, we demonstrated that histamine (HA) can modulate steroidogenesis in Leydig cells (LC) in a concentration-dependent manner. Also, we observed a decrease in the endogenous HA content, consistent with the previously described decrease of HDC (histidine decarboxylase, the enzyme responsible of HA synthesis) levels, during LC ontogeny. Epidemiologic studies strongly suggest that a relationship exists between VD deficiency and multiple pathologies, particularly cancer. Leydig cell tumors (LCT) are rare endocrine tumors ofunknown etiology, which originate in the testicular interstitium. The incidence worldwide is 1-3% in adults and 4% in prepubertal boys, but recent publications indicate that these figures have been increasing. While usually benign, approximately 10% of LCT in adults become malignant and do not respond to chemo or radiotherapy. It is imperative to deeply investigate the biology of LCT, to identify new therapeutic targets. The potential role of calcitriol (1a,25(OH)2-vitamin-D3) in cancer treatment has been described for several types of tumors, but it remains unexplored in LCT. Thus, as a first step, it is worth evaluating VDR expression in LCT.In view of the aforecited evidence, herein we studied VDR expression during the rat testicular ontogeny, evaluating a possible correlation withserum testosterone (T) levels in blood, endogenous levels of HA and the previously described HDC expression levels. We also analized VDR expression in human testes corresponding to three different stages of development (fetal, neonatal andjuvenile), in LCT and in LC hyperplasia. Methods: Rat testes of different ages (7, 21, 35, 90 y 240 days), human fetal, neonatal and pre pubertal testes, a human LCT and a human LC hyperplasia; were used for detection of VDR by immunohistochemistry. Results: In the rat testes, VDR expression increased with age in LC, in line with the increase in serum testosterone; and in contrast with the decrease in the endogenous content of HA and HDC levels. Likewise, we detected an increase in VDR expression with age in the human testes samples. LCT presentedVDR and HDC overexpression. We also detected VDR in LC hyperplasia. Conclusions: Given that VDR testicular expression increases with age in LC, as well as testosterone serum levels, it is reasonable to speculate thatVD may play a role in normal testicular development, either acting directly on LC or by regulating one of more components of the histaminergic system (HDC or HA receptors). Considering that VDR is overexpressed in LCT, and that steroids are increased in this pathology (and act like growth factors); if calcitriol could modulate steroidogenesis, it could have a therapeutic role.

Diagnosis of an indistinct Leydig cell tumor by positron emission tomography-computed tomography

A 51-year-old perimenopausal female patient presented with hirsutism and voice thickening which was started approximately one and a half years ago. Her initial hormone assay revealed elevated plasma testosterone, 5a-dihydrotestosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels and therefore androgen-secreting tumor was first suspected. However, the lesion was inconspicuous on transvaginal sonography, abdominal-pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan, and pelvic magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging. Consequently, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-CT was performed, which localized the lesion as a focal FDG uptake within the right adnexa. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed, and although visible gross mass lesions were not observed intraoperatively, pure Leydig cell tumor was pathologically confirmed within the right ovary. Plasma testosterone, 5a-dihydrotestosterone, and DHEA levels were normalized postoperatively. Clinical signs of virilization were also significantly resolved after 3-months of follow-up.

Ultrasound characteristics of testicular Leydig cell tumors , , , 1 / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the color Doppler ultrasonic characteristics of testicular Leydig cell tumors (LCT) and improve the clinical diagnosis of the disease.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed 4 cases of testicular LCT diagnosed and treated in our hospital and summarized the experience in the ultrasonic diagnosis of LCT with a review of the relevant literature.@*RESULTS@#All the 4 testicular LCTs were solitary and quasi-round, 1 in the left and 3 in the right. The smallest mass was 1.8 × 1.5 cm and the largest 3.1 × 2.5 cm, and 2 were complicated by hydrocele of tunica vaginalis. The margins of tumors were distinct in 2 cases and indistinct in 1, and changed from distinct to indistinct in another during the follow-up. Hypoechoes were revealed in all the 4 cases in ultrasonography, 2 with abundant internal blood flow, 1 with abundant peripheral blood flow, and the other with abundant internal blood flow changed from circular blood flow surrounding the mass.@*CONCLUSIONS@#A typical sporadic LCT was ultrasonically manifested as an isolated hypoechoic infracentimetric mass with a clear demarcation from the adjacent pulp. It exhibited intrinsic hypervascularization associated with a typical peripheral rim pattern. Larger lesions more often presented a lobulated shape and intense hypervascularization. Although these ultrasonic characteristics do not reveal the nature of LCT with certainty, they can help the surgeon with the decision on testis-sparing surgery or perhaps even on the active monitoring for the smallest lesions in a population with impaired fertility.

Electroacupuncture intervention increases testosterone level of aged rats by activating ERK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling of Leydig cells / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on anti-oxidant function of Leydig cells in aged rats with low testosterone, so as to reveal its underlying mechanism of anti-aging of male reproduction. METHODS: Eighteen 20 months old SD rats were divided into aged control, medication and EA groups(n=6 in each group), and other 6 young male SD rats (2 months of age) were used as the youth control group. The rats of the youth and the aged control groups received subcutaneous injection of 0.9% normal saline (7 mg·kg-1·3 d-1) for 8 weeks, and those of the medication group received abdominal subcutaneous injection of Testosterone Propionate (7 mg·kg-1·3 d-1) for 8 weeks. EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral "Shenshu" (BL23) and "Guanyuan" (CV4) for 15 min, once daily for 8 weeks except the weekends. The levels of serum total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (FT) were determined by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA), the immunoactivity of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (p-ERK) was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression levels of ERK, p-ERK, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins in the testis tissues were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Before and after the treatment, the levels of serum TT and FT in the aged control group were significantly lower than those of the youth control group (P0.05). CONCLUSION: EA intervention may increase testosterone level of the aged rats, which may be related to its effects in triggering ERK /Nrf2 /HO-1 signaling (anti-oxidative stress signal pathway) in the testis.

Electroacupuncture Intervention Improves Physical Power of Aged Rats with Low Testosterone by Reducing Chronic Inflammatory Response of Leydig Cells / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on chronic inflammatory response of Leydig cells in aged rats with low testosterone, so as to investigate its underlying mechanism of anti-male reproductive aging. METHODS: Twenty-four 20 months old SD rats were randomly divided into EA, medication and aged control groups (n＝ 8 in each), and other 8 young SD rats (2 months of age) were used as the youth control group. EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to "Guanyuan"(CV 4) and bilate-ral "Shenshu"(BL 23) for 15 min, once daily for 8 weeks except the weekends. The medication group received abdominal subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (7 mg• kg－1• 3 d－1) for 8 weeks. The aged control group and the youth control group received subcutaneous injection of 0.9% normal saline, with the same dose and same treatment frequency as those of the medication group. The rats' physical power was assessed according to the exhausted swimming duration, and the levels of serum total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone(FT) were determined by ELISA. The pathological changes of the testis tissue were detected by using H．E.staining, and the immunoactivity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in Leydig cells was detected by immunohisto-chemistry. The expression levels of nuclear factor-κB p 65 (NF-κB p 65), COX-2, interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) proteins in the testis tissues were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Before and after treatment, the exhaustive swimming duration and the levels of serum TT and FT in the aged control group were significantly lower than those of the youth control group (P < 0.01). After the treatment, the exhaustive swimming duration and serum TT and FT in the EA and medication groups were notably higher than those in the aged control group (P<0.01). HE staining showed that the incompleteness of basement membrane of spermatogenic tubules, reduction of spermatogenic cells and supporting cells and irregularity of Leydig cells in the testis tissue of the aged rats were relatively milder after EA intervention. Compared with the youth control group, the expression levels of NF-κB p 65 and COX-2, IL-1 β and TNF-α in the testicular tissue were significantly higher in the aged control group (P<0.01),while in compared with the aged control group, the expression levels of NF-κB p 65, COX-2, IL-1 β and TNF-α proteins were significantly down-regulated in the EA group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EA intervention can improve the physical power of the aged rats with low testosterone, which may be related to its effects in up-regulating TT and FT levels, and in reducing chronic inflammatory response in the testis tissue.

CT findings of ovarian sertoli-leydig cell tumor / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To study the CT findings of ovarian sertoli-leydig cell tumor (SLCT),to improve the understanding of SLCT imaging features.Methods CT images of 6 cases were reviewed retrospectively.CT plain scan was performed in 6 patients;CT enhancement scan was performed in 4 patients.Results All tumors were unilateral.On non-enhanced CT,5 cases showed cystic-solid masses with clear margin,and 1 case showed solid mass.After contrast administration,the cystic walls,septum and solid portions showed progressively obvious enhancement.Of these 6 cases, 3 cases showed increased testosterone levels,2 cases had high prolactin level,and 1 case was with raised AFP in plasma.Positive expressions of immunohistochemical markers were as following:Inhibin-α (6 cases),Vimentin (4 cases),Calretinin (2 cases), CD99 (1 case), Ki-67 (1 case), CK20 (1 case).Conclusion CT findings of SLCT have some certain characteristics, especially a unilateral, cystic-solid and well-defined mass, and marked solid part enhancement on contrast CT.Combined with clinical findings, especially increased plasma testosterone levels, SLCT should be included in the differential diagnosis of regional tumors.

A novel clinicopathological analysis of early stage ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors at a single institution

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients who were diagnosed with ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs) in a single institution. METHODS: The medical records of 11 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with SLCTs beginning in 1995 in a single institute was reviewed. RESULTS: The median patient age was 31 years (range, 16 to 70 years). Patient International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages were IA, IC, and IIB in 3 (27.3%), 6 (54.5%), and 2 (18.2%) patients, respectively. Six patients (54.5%) had grade 3 tumors, 3 patients (27.3%) had grade 2 tumors, and 1 patient (9.1%) had a grade 1 tumor. Four patients without children underwent fertility-sparing surgery, and 7 patients had full staging surgery, including a hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, with a laparoscopic approach used in 3. Eight patients underwent pelvic lymph node dissection, and 8 patients were administered adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin in 6 cases, a modified bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin regimen in 1 case, and a combined paclitaxel and cisplatin regimen in 1 case. Two patients died of disease and were re-diagnosed with Sertoli form endometrioid carcinoma. The other patients remain alive without recurrence at the time of reporting. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that regardless of tumor stage or grade, ovarian SLCT patients have a good prognosis. Close observation and unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy would be beneficial for women who still wish to have children, while hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy would be the optimal treatment in other cases. Furthermore, meticulous pathologic diagnosis is needed to develop a precise treatment strategy.

Varicocele management in the era of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Varicocele is the most common surgically treatable cause of male infertility, and often results in alterations in semen parameters, sperm DNA damage, and changes to the seminal milieu. Varicocele repair can result in improvement in these parameters in the majority of men with clinical varicocele; data supporting repair in men with subclinical varicocele are less definitive. In couples seeking fertility using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), varicocele repair may offer improvement in semen parameters and sperm health that can increase the likelihood of successful fertilization using techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), or may decrease the level of ART needed to achieve successful pregnancy. Male infertility is an indicator of general male health, and evaluation of the infertile male with an eye toward future health can facilitate optimal screening and treatment of these men. Furthermore, varicocele may represent a progressive lesion, offering an argument for its repair, although this is currently unclear.

Tumor de células de Leydig do ovário associado a virilização em paciente na pós-menopausa / Ovarian Leydig cell tumor associated with virilization in postmenopausal patient

Tumores de células de Leydig são neoplasias de células esteroides e correspondem a menos de 0,5% dos tumores ovarianos. Ocorrem mais comumente na pós-menopausa e se apresentam com virilização em metade dos casos. Relatamos o caso de uma mulher de 53 anos com história de virilização. A investigação com ressonância magnética demonstrou altos níveis séricos de testosterona e um nódulo de 2 cm no ovário direito. A paciente foi submetida a ooforectomia bilateral, e a análise patológica confirmou o diagnóstico de tumor de células de Leydig do ovário direito. Um dia após a cirurgia, o nível sérico de testosterona se normalizou. Em quatro meses, a paciente apresentou nível sérico normal de testosterona e regressão parcial da alopecia. Em mulheres pós-menopáusicas com quadro de virilização progressiva, deve-se suspeitar de neoplasias ovarianas produtoras de andrógenos (AU)

Leydig cell tumors are tumors of the steroids cells and represent less than 0.5% of ovarian tumors. They occur most often in postmenopausal women and present with virilization in half of the cases. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman with virilization history. Magnetic resonance imaging showed high serum testosterone levels and a 2-cm nodule in the right ovary. The patient underwent bilateral oophorectomy, and the pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of Leydig cell tumor in the right ovary. The day after surgery, serum testosterone level was normalized. In four months, the patient had normal serum testosterone level and partial regression of alopecia. In postmenopausal women with progressive virilization, ovarian neoplasms producing androgens should be investigated (AU)