PeerJ:Andrologyhttps://peerj.com/articles/index.atom?journal=peerj&subject=3500Andrology articles published in PeerJComparative diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy versus systematic biopsy for clinically significant prostate cancerhttps://peerj.com/articles/166142023-12-142023-12-14Jian-hua FangLiqing ZhangXi XiePan ZhaoLingyun BaoFanlei Kong
Purpose
To examine the accuracy of transperineal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-ultrasound (US) fusion biopsy (FB) in identifying men with prostate cancer (PCa) that has reached a clinically relevant stage.
Methods
This investigation enrolled 459 males. In 210 of these patients (FB group), transperineal MRI/US fusion-guided biopsies were performed on the suspicious region, and in 249 others, a systematic biopsy (SB) was performed (SB group). We compared these groups using Gleason scores and rates of cancer detection.
Results
PCa cases counted 198/459 (43.1%), including 94/249 (37.8%) in the SB group and 104/210 (49.5%) in the FB group. FB was associated with higher overall diagnostic accuracy relative to SB (88.5% and 72.3%, P = 0.024). FB exhibited greater sensitivity than SB (88.9% and 71.2%, P = 0.025). The area under the curve for FB and SB approaches was 0.837 and 0.737, respectively, such that FB was associated with an 11.9% increase in accuracy as determined based upon these AUC values. Relative to SB, FB was better able to detect high-grade tumors (GS ≥ 7) (78.85% vs. 60.64%, P = 0.025).
Conclusion
Transperineal MRI-US fusion targeted biopsy is superior to the systematic one as an approach to diagnosing clinically significant PCa, as it is a viable technical approach to prostate biopsy.
Purpose
To examine the accuracy of transperineal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-ultrasound (US) fusion biopsy (FB) in identifying men with prostate cancer (PCa) that has reached a clinically relevant stage.
Methods
This investigation enrolled 459 males. In 210 of these patients (FB group), transperineal MRI/US fusion-guided biopsies were performed on the suspicious region, and in 249 others, a systematic biopsy (SB) was performed (SB group). We compared these groups using Gleason scores and rates of cancer detection.
Results
PCa cases counted 198/459 (43.1%), including 94/249 (37.8%) in the SB group and 104/210 (49.5%) in the FB group. FB was associated with higher overall diagnostic accuracy relative to SB (88.5% and 72.3%, P = 0.024). FB exhibited greater sensitivity than SB (88.9% and 71.2%, P = 0.025). The area under the curve for FB and SB approaches was 0.837 and 0.737, respectively, such that FB was associated with an 11.9% increase in accuracy as determined based upon these AUC values. Relative to SB, FB was better able to detect high-grade tumors (GS ≥ 7) (78.85% vs. 60.64%, P = 0.025).
Conclusion
Transperineal MRI-US fusion targeted biopsy is superior to the systematic one as an approach to diagnosing clinically significant PCa, as it is a viable technical approach to prostate biopsy.Exploring the relationship between nutritional intake and menstrual cycle in elite female athleteshttps://peerj.com/articles/161082023-09-252023-09-25Mana MiyamotoKenichi Shibuya
This study aimed to examine potential variations in nutritional intake among female athletes, including top-level, throughout the menstrual cycle. A total 122 female athletes participated in the study, documenting their food consumption over a 3-day period. The menstrual status of female athletes was also assessed, and using the survey results, the phase of the menstrual cycle (the follicular, early luteal, or late luteal) during which each meal was recorded was determined. Consequently, the meal records were categorized into the respective three phases. The findings of this study indicated that there were no notable disparities in nutritional intake, encompassing energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, calcium, iron, and fiber, across the three phases of the menstrual cycle. The results imply that female athletes may experience comparatively smaller variations in nutrient intake related to the menstrual cycle. This could be attributed to the higher energy requirements of female athletes because of their rigorous training. This study underscores the significance of accounting for the population when examining nutrient intake changes associated with the menstrual cycle.
This study aimed to examine potential variations in nutritional intake among female athletes, including top-level, throughout the menstrual cycle. A total 122 female athletes participated in the study, documenting their food consumption over a 3-day period. The menstrual status of female athletes was also assessed, and using the survey results, the phase of the menstrual cycle (the follicular, early luteal, or late luteal) during which each meal was recorded was determined. Consequently, the meal records were categorized into the respective three phases. The findings of this study indicated that there were no notable disparities in nutritional intake, encompassing energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, calcium, iron, and fiber, across the three phases of the menstrual cycle. The results imply that female athletes may experience comparatively smaller variations in nutrient intake related to the menstrual cycle. This could be attributed to the higher energy requirements of female athletes because of their rigorous training. This study underscores the significance of accounting for the population when examining nutrient intake changes associated with the menstrual cycle.Putative causal inference for the relationship between obesity and sex hormones in males: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization studyhttps://peerj.com/articles/157602023-07-192023-07-19Bangbei WanNing MaZhi ZhouCai Lv
Background
Obesity is a chronic disease with a high prevalence rate and is an established risk factor for human health. Body mass index (BMI) is a common and primary indicator used in assessing obesity. This work aims to investigate the putative causal relationship among BMI, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), bioavailable testosterone (BioT), and estradiol levels.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study, using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with BMI, SHBG, BioT, and estradiol as instrumental variables. All SNPs were identified from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data of large sample studies recruiting more than 150,000 European adult male individuals. The inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) approach was used as a primary algorithm for putative causal estimation.
Results
Genetically predicted elevated BMI was associated with decreased SHBG (IVW, β = −0.103, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−0.113 to −0.092], P = 1.50 × 10−77) and BioT levels (IVW, β = −0.139, 95% CI [−0.165 to −0.113], P = 9.54 × 10−26) and high estradiol levels (IVW, β = 0.014, 95% CI [0.009–0.019], P = 2.19 × 10−7). Increased SHBG levels were causally associated with low BMI (IVW, β = −0.051, 95% CI [−0.098 to −0.005], P = 0.030) and BioT (IVW, β = −0.126, 95% CI [−0.175 to −0.077], P = 5.97 × 10−7) and high estradiol levels (IVW, β = 0.046, 95% CI [0.035–0.056], P = 6.51 × 10−17). Conversely, no evidence of an effect of estradiol imbalance on SHBG levels (IVW, β = 1.035, 95% CI [−0.854 to 2.926], P = 0.283) and BMI (IVW, β = 0.091, 95% CI [−0.094 to 0.276], P = 0.336) was obtained. However, increased BioT levels were causally associated with lower SHBG levels (IVW, β = −0.044, 95% CI [−0.061 to −0.026], P = 8.76 × 10−7), not BMI (IVW, β = −0.006, 95% CI [−0.035 to 0.023], P = 0.679).
Conclusions
The findings support a network putative causal relationship among BMI, SHBG, BioT, and estradiol. SHBG, BioT, and estradiol may partly mediate the effect of obesity on male health. Reasonably modulating BioT and estradiol, especially SHBG, facilitated the attenuation of the harmful effects of obesity on male health.
Background
Obesity is a chronic disease with a high prevalence rate and is an established risk factor for human health. Body mass index (BMI) is a common and primary indicator used in assessing obesity. This work aims to investigate the putative causal relationship among BMI, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), bioavailable testosterone (BioT), and estradiol levels.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study, using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with BMI, SHBG, BioT, and estradiol as instrumental variables. All SNPs were identified from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data of large sample studies recruiting more than 150,000 European adult male individuals. The inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) approach was used as a primary algorithm for putative causal estimation.
Results
Genetically predicted elevated BMI was associated with decreased SHBG (IVW, β = −0.103, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−0.113 to −0.092], P = 1.50 × 10−77) and BioT levels (IVW, β = −0.139, 95% CI [−0.165 to −0.113], P = 9.54 × 10−26) and high estradiol levels (IVW, β = 0.014, 95% CI [0.009–0.019], P = 2.19 × 10−7). Increased SHBG levels were causally associated with low BMI (IVW, β = −0.051, 95% CI [−0.098 to −0.005], P = 0.030) and BioT (IVW, β = −0.126, 95% CI [−0.175 to −0.077], P = 5.97 × 10−7) and high estradiol levels (IVW, β = 0.046, 95% CI [0.035–0.056], P = 6.51 × 10−17). Conversely, no evidence of an effect of estradiol imbalance on SHBG levels (IVW, β = 1.035, 95% CI [−0.854 to 2.926], P = 0.283) and BMI (IVW, β = 0.091, 95% CI [−0.094 to 0.276], P = 0.336) was obtained. However, increased BioT levels were causally associated with lower SHBG levels (IVW, β = −0.044, 95% CI [−0.061 to −0.026], P = 8.76 × 10−7), not BMI (IVW, β = −0.006, 95% CI [−0.035 to 0.023], P = 0.679).
Conclusions
The findings support a network putative causal relationship among BMI, SHBG, BioT, and estradiol. SHBG, BioT, and estradiol may partly mediate the effect of obesity on male health. Reasonably modulating BioT and estradiol, especially SHBG, facilitated the attenuation of the harmful effects of obesity on male health.Semen quality and seminal plasma metabolites in male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) under heat stresshttps://peerj.com/articles/151122023-04-072023-04-07Dongwei HuangJiawei CaiChen ZhangRongshuai JinShaocheng BaiFan YaoHaisheng DingBohao ZhaoYang ChenXinsheng WuHuiling Zhao
Heat stress causes infertility in male rabbits in summer. This study was conducted to determine the effects of heat stress on semen quality and seminal plasma metabolites of male rabbits. To achieve these objectives, the temperature and humidity index (THI) was used to determine the stress state of male rabbits during different months, thereby the rabbits were divided into heat stress and no heat stress groups. The quality of the semen and the biochemical indices of seminal plasma were then analyzed. Next the plasma metabolites of rabbits in both groups were evaluated using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS)/MS technique. Our results showed that the THI value of the rabbit housing in May was 20.94 (no heat stress). The THI value of the housing in August was 29.10 (heat stress group, n = 10). Compared with the non-heat stress group, the sperm motility, density, and pH in the heat stress group (n = 10) were significantly decreased (P < 0.01); the semen volume decreased significantly (P < 0.05); and the sperm malformation rate increased significantly (P < 0.01). The number of grade A sperm significantly decreased, while the numbers of B and C grade sperm significantly increased (P < 0.01). The total sperm output (TSO), total motile sperm (TMS), and total functional sperm fraction (TFSF) decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Heat stress protein 70 (HSP70) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the seminal plasma of rabbits in the heat stress group (n = 20) were significantly increased (P < 0.01). Seminal plasma testosterone (T), α-glucosidase (α-Glu), and fructose decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The concentrations of Mg2+ (P < 0.05), Na+ (P < 0.01), and K+ (P < 0.01) in metal ions were significantly decreased. These findings indicated that heat stress severely affected the quality of the male rabbit semen. Furthermore, UPLC-MS/MS technology was used to analyze the seminal plasma samples of rabbits in the heat stress group and non-heat stress group (n = 9 for each group). In total, 346 metabolites were identified, with variable importance in project (VIP) > 1.0, fold change (FC) > 1.5 or < 0.667, and P < 0.05 as the threshold. A total of 71 differential metabolites were matched, including stearic acid, betaine, arachidonic acid, L-malic acid, and indole. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of differential metabolites revealed 51 metabolic pathways, including synthesis and degradation of ketones, serine and threonine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and the citric acid cycle. Our study has shown that the sperm motility, sperm pH value, and sperm density of male rabbits decreased significantly under heat stress, and the sperm malformation rate increased significantly. Furthermore, the quality of semen was shown to deteriorate and the energy metabolism pathway was disturbed. These findings provide a theoretical reference for alleviating the adaptive heat stress in male rabbits.
Heat stress causes infertility in male rabbits in summer. This study was conducted to determine the effects of heat stress on semen quality and seminal plasma metabolites of male rabbits. To achieve these objectives, the temperature and humidity index (THI) was used to determine the stress state of male rabbits during different months, thereby the rabbits were divided into heat stress and no heat stress groups. The quality of the semen and the biochemical indices of seminal plasma were then analyzed. Next the plasma metabolites of rabbits in both groups were evaluated using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS)/MS technique. Our results showed that the THI value of the rabbit housing in May was 20.94 (no heat stress). The THI value of the housing in August was 29.10 (heat stress group, n = 10). Compared with the non-heat stress group, the sperm motility, density, and pH in the heat stress group (n = 10) were significantly decreased (P < 0.01); the semen volume decreased significantly (P < 0.05); and the sperm malformation rate increased significantly (P < 0.01). The number of grade A sperm significantly decreased, while the numbers of B and C grade sperm significantly increased (P < 0.01). The total sperm output (TSO), total motile sperm (TMS), and total functional sperm fraction (TFSF) decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Heat stress protein 70 (HSP70) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the seminal plasma of rabbits in the heat stress group (n = 20) were significantly increased (P < 0.01). Seminal plasma testosterone (T), α-glucosidase (α-Glu), and fructose decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The concentrations of Mg2+ (P < 0.05), Na+ (P < 0.01), and K+ (P < 0.01) in metal ions were significantly decreased. These findings indicated that heat stress severely affected the quality of the male rabbit semen. Furthermore, UPLC-MS/MS technology was used to analyze the seminal plasma samples of rabbits in the heat stress group and non-heat stress group (n = 9 for each group). In total, 346 metabolites were identified, with variable importance in project (VIP) > 1.0, fold change (FC) > 1.5 or < 0.667, and P < 0.05 as the threshold. A total of 71 differential metabolites were matched, including stearic acid, betaine, arachidonic acid, L-malic acid, and indole. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of differential metabolites revealed 51 metabolic pathways, including synthesis and degradation of ketones, serine and threonine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and the citric acid cycle. Our study has shown that the sperm motility, sperm pH value, and sperm density of male rabbits decreased significantly under heat stress, and the sperm malformation rate increased significantly. Furthermore, the quality of semen was shown to deteriorate and the energy metabolism pathway was disturbed. These findings provide a theoretical reference for alleviating the adaptive heat stress in male rabbits.Structural analysis of M1AP variants associated with severely impaired spermatogenesis causing male infertilityhttps://peerj.com/articles/129472022-03-212022-03-21Umut GerlevikMahmut Cerkez ErgorenOsman Uğur SezermanSehime Gulsun Temel
Background
Impaired meiosis can result in absence of sperm in the seminal fluid. This condition, namely non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), is one of the reasons of male infertility. Despite the low number of studies on meiosis 1-associated protein (M1AP) in the literature, M1AP is known to be crucial for spermatogenesis. Recently, seven variants (five missense, one frameshift, one splice-site) have been reported in the M1AP gene as associated with NOA, cryptozoospermia and oligozoospermia in two separate studies. However, all missense variants were evaluated as variant of uncertain significance by these studies. Therefore, we aimed to analyze their structural impacts on the M1AP protein that could lead to NOA.
Methods
We firstly performed an evolutionary conservation analysis for the variant positions. Afterwards, a comprehensive molecular modelling study was performed for the M1AP structure. By utilizing this model, protein dynamics were sampled for the wild-type and variants by performing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Results
All variant positions are highly conserved, indicating that they are potentially important for function. In MD simulations, none of the variants led to a general misfolding or loss of stability in the protein structure, but they did cause severe modifications in the conformational dynamics of M1AP, particularly through changes in local interactions affecting flexibility, hinge and secondary structure.
Conclusions
Due to critical perturbations in protein dynamics, we propose that these variants may cause NOA by affecting important interactions regulating meiosis, particularly in wild-type M1AP deficiency since the variants are reported to be homozygous or bi-allelic in the infertile individuals. Our results provided reasonable insights about the M1AP structure and the effects of the variants to the structure and dynamics, which should be further investigated by experimental studies to validate.
Background
Impaired meiosis can result in absence of sperm in the seminal fluid. This condition, namely non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), is one of the reasons of male infertility. Despite the low number of studies on meiosis 1-associated protein (M1AP) in the literature, M1AP is known to be crucial for spermatogenesis. Recently, seven variants (five missense, one frameshift, one splice-site) have been reported in the M1AP gene as associated with NOA, cryptozoospermia and oligozoospermia in two separate studies. However, all missense variants were evaluated as variant of uncertain significance by these studies. Therefore, we aimed to analyze their structural impacts on the M1AP protein that could lead to NOA.
Methods
We firstly performed an evolutionary conservation analysis for the variant positions. Afterwards, a comprehensive molecular modelling study was performed for the M1AP structure. By utilizing this model, protein dynamics were sampled for the wild-type and variants by performing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Results
All variant positions are highly conserved, indicating that they are potentially important for function. In MD simulations, none of the variants led to a general misfolding or loss of stability in the protein structure, but they did cause severe modifications in the conformational dynamics of M1AP, particularly through changes in local interactions affecting flexibility, hinge and secondary structure.
Conclusions
Due to critical perturbations in protein dynamics, we propose that these variants may cause NOA by affecting important interactions regulating meiosis, particularly in wild-type M1AP deficiency since the variants are reported to be homozygous or bi-allelic in the infertile individuals. Our results provided reasonable insights about the M1AP structure and the effects of the variants to the structure and dynamics, which should be further investigated by experimental studies to validate.Development and validation of a multi-parameter nomogram for predicting prostate cancer: a retrospective analysis from Handan Central Hospital in Chinahttps://peerj.com/articles/129122022-03-022022-03-02Libin NanKai GuoMingmin LiQi WuShaojun Huo
Background
To explore the possible predicting factors related to prostate cancer and develop a validated nomogram for predicting the probability of patients with prostate cancer.
Method
Clinical data of 697 patients who underwent prostate biopsy in Handan Central Hospital from January 2014 to January 2020 were retrospectively collected. Cases were randomized into two groups: 80% (548 cases) as the development group, and 20% (149 cases) as the validation group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent risk factors for prostate cancer. The nomogram prediction model was generated using the finalized independent risk factors. Decision curve analysis (DCA) and the area under receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) of both development group and validation group were calculated and compared to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the nomogram prediction model. Clinical utility curve (CUC) helped to decide the desired cut-off value for the prediction model. The established nomogram with Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Derived Cancer Risk Calculator (PCPT-CRC) and other domestic prediction models using the entire study population were compared.
Results
The independent risk factors determined through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were: age, tPSA, fPSA, PV, DRE, TRUS and BMI. Nomogram prediction model was developed with the cut-off value of 0.31. The AUC of development group and validation group were 0.856 and 0.797 respectively. DCA exhibits consistent observations with the findings. Through validating our prediction model as well as other three domestic prediction models based on the entire study population of 697 cases, our prediction model demonstrated significantly higher predictive value than all the other models.
Conclusion
The nomogram for predicting prostate cancer can facilitate more accurate evaluation of the probability of having prostate cancer, and provide better ground for prostate biopsy.
Background
To explore the possible predicting factors related to prostate cancer and develop a validated nomogram for predicting the probability of patients with prostate cancer.
Method
Clinical data of 697 patients who underwent prostate biopsy in Handan Central Hospital from January 2014 to January 2020 were retrospectively collected. Cases were randomized into two groups: 80% (548 cases) as the development group, and 20% (149 cases) as the validation group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent risk factors for prostate cancer. The nomogram prediction model was generated using the finalized independent risk factors. Decision curve analysis (DCA) and the area under receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) of both development group and validation group were calculated and compared to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the nomogram prediction model. Clinical utility curve (CUC) helped to decide the desired cut-off value for the prediction model. The established nomogram with Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Derived Cancer Risk Calculator (PCPT-CRC) and other domestic prediction models using the entire study population were compared.
Results
The independent risk factors determined through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were: age, tPSA, fPSA, PV, DRE, TRUS and BMI. Nomogram prediction model was developed with the cut-off value of 0.31. The AUC of development group and validation group were 0.856 and 0.797 respectively. DCA exhibits consistent observations with the findings. Through validating our prediction model as well as other three domestic prediction models based on the entire study population of 697 cases, our prediction model demonstrated significantly higher predictive value than all the other models.
Conclusion
The nomogram for predicting prostate cancer can facilitate more accurate evaluation of the probability of having prostate cancer, and provide better ground for prostate biopsy.Cross-sectional study of chromosomal aberrations and immunologic factors in Iraqi couples with recurrent pregnancy losshttps://peerj.com/articles/128012022-02-072022-02-07Doaa A. KhameesMushtak T. S. Al-Ouqaili
Background
Parental chromosomal aberrations are important causes of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Some immunological factors such as antiphospholipid antibodies and interleukin-6 (IL-6) also contribute to this complication. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities and to evaluate some of the immunological factors in couples with RPL from different cities in Iraq.
Methods
This study was conducted on 25 couples (50 individuals) who had more than two first trimester abortions in the past and 25 healthy females as controls. Karyotyping was performed on peripheral blood of all participants. Anticardiolipin (IgG and IgM), antiphosopholipid (IgG and IgM), lupus anticoagulant, and IL-6 were assayed. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.
Results
Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 28.0% (n = 7/25) of RPL couples. Of these five (10.0%) were female and two (4.0%) were male. The types of structural abnormalities were as follows: 45, XX, t(21; 21); 45, XX, rob (14, 15); 46, XX, add (21) (p13); 46 XY, add (21)(p13); 46, XX, 21ps+; 46, XY, per inv (9) (p11q12) and 45, XX, t(13q, 13q). No chromosomal abnormalities were found in the control group. Also, no significant differences were found in the immunological parameters of the couples with RPL and the control group.
Conclusion
In this study, karyotyping revealed a high number of chromosomal abnormalities associated with the RPL in Iraqi couples. Since identification of genetic causes of miscarriage is important for genetic counseling and educating couples about the risk of future pregnancies, it is recommended that conventional karyotyping be investigated in patients with RPL.
Background
Parental chromosomal aberrations are important causes of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Some immunological factors such as antiphospholipid antibodies and interleukin-6 (IL-6) also contribute to this complication. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities and to evaluate some of the immunological factors in couples with RPL from different cities in Iraq.
Methods
This study was conducted on 25 couples (50 individuals) who had more than two first trimester abortions in the past and 25 healthy females as controls. Karyotyping was performed on peripheral blood of all participants. Anticardiolipin (IgG and IgM), antiphosopholipid (IgG and IgM), lupus anticoagulant, and IL-6 were assayed. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.
Results
Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 28.0% (n = 7/25) of RPL couples. Of these five (10.0%) were female and two (4.0%) were male. The types of structural abnormalities were as follows: 45, XX, t(21; 21); 45, XX, rob (14, 15); 46, XX, add (21) (p13); 46 XY, add (21)(p13); 46, XX, 21ps+; 46, XY, per inv (9) (p11q12) and 45, XX, t(13q, 13q). No chromosomal abnormalities were found in the control group. Also, no significant differences were found in the immunological parameters of the couples with RPL and the control group.
Conclusion
In this study, karyotyping revealed a high number of chromosomal abnormalities associated with the RPL in Iraqi couples. Since identification of genetic causes of miscarriage is important for genetic counseling and educating couples about the risk of future pregnancies, it is recommended that conventional karyotyping be investigated in patients with RPL.Prognostic values of the core components of the mammalian circadian clock in prostate cancerhttps://peerj.com/articles/125392021-12-092021-12-09Wenchang YueXiao DuXuhong WangNiu GuiWeijie ZhangJiale SunJiawei YouDong HeXinyu GengYuhua HuangJianquan Hou
Background
Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common malignancies in males. Extensive and complex connections between circadian rhythm and cancer were found. Nonetheless, in PC, the potential role of the core components of the mammalian circadian clock (CCMCCs) in prognosis prediction has not been fully clarified.
Methods
We firstly collected 605 patients with PC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Survival analysis was carried out for each CCMCC. Then, we investigated the prognostic ability of CCMCCs by Cox regression analysis. Independent prognostic signatures were extracted for the establishment of the circadian clock-based risk score model. We explored the predictive performance of the risk score model in the TCGA training cohort and the independent GEO dataset. Finally, the relationships between risk score and clinicopathological parameters, biological processes, and signaling pathways were evaluated.
Results
The expression levels of CCMCCs were widely correlated with age, tumor status, lymph node status, disease-free survival (DFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Nine circadian clock genes, including CSNK1D, BTRC, CLOCK, CSNK1E, FBXL3, PRKAA2, DBP, NR1D2, and RORB, were identified as vital prognostic factors in PC and were used to construct the circadian clock-based risk score model. For DFS, the area under the 3-year or 5-year receiver operating characteristic curves ranged from 0.728 to 0.821, suggesting better predictive performance. When compared with T3-4N1 stage, PC patients at T2N0 stage might be benefited more from the circadian clock-based risk score model. Furthermore, a high circadian clock-based risk score indicated shorter DFS (p < 0.0001), early progression (p < 0.0001), and higher 5-year death rate (p = 0.007) in PC. The risk score was related to tumor status (p < 0.001), lymph node status (p < 0.001), and ribosome-related biogenesis and pathways.
Conclusions
The vital roles of circadian clock genes in clinical outcomes were fully depicted. The circadian clock-based risk score model could reflect and predict the prognosis of patients with PC.
Background
Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most common malignancies in males. Extensive and complex connections between circadian rhythm and cancer were found. Nonetheless, in PC, the potential role of the core components of the mammalian circadian clock (CCMCCs) in prognosis prediction has not been fully clarified.
Methods
We firstly collected 605 patients with PC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Survival analysis was carried out for each CCMCC. Then, we investigated the prognostic ability of CCMCCs by Cox regression analysis. Independent prognostic signatures were extracted for the establishment of the circadian clock-based risk score model. We explored the predictive performance of the risk score model in the TCGA training cohort and the independent GEO dataset. Finally, the relationships between risk score and clinicopathological parameters, biological processes, and signaling pathways were evaluated.
Results
The expression levels of CCMCCs were widely correlated with age, tumor status, lymph node status, disease-free survival (DFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Nine circadian clock genes, including CSNK1D, BTRC, CLOCK, CSNK1E, FBXL3, PRKAA2, DBP, NR1D2, and RORB, were identified as vital prognostic factors in PC and were used to construct the circadian clock-based risk score model. For DFS, the area under the 3-year or 5-year receiver operating characteristic curves ranged from 0.728 to 0.821, suggesting better predictive performance. When compared with T3-4N1 stage, PC patients at T2N0 stage might be benefited more from the circadian clock-based risk score model. Furthermore, a high circadian clock-based risk score indicated shorter DFS (p < 0.0001), early progression (p < 0.0001), and higher 5-year death rate (p = 0.007) in PC. The risk score was related to tumor status (p < 0.001), lymph node status (p < 0.001), and ribosome-related biogenesis and pathways.
Conclusions
The vital roles of circadian clock genes in clinical outcomes were fully depicted. The circadian clock-based risk score model could reflect and predict the prognosis of patients with PC.Sexual and psychological health of couples with azoospermia in the context of the COVID-19 pandemichttps://peerj.com/articles/121622021-10-202021-10-20Meng DongYanqiang TaoShanshan WuZhengtao LiXiaobin WangJichun Tan
Background
To date, there have been no reports on the sexual and psychological health of patients with azoospermia during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Previous studies on the sexual health of couples with azoospermia are limited and are especially lacking in data on the wives of azoospermic men.
Methods
We conducted a case–control cross-sectional study between 1 July 2020 and 20 December 2020. In total, 100 couples with azoospermia comprised the experimental group and 100 couples with normozoospermia comprised the control group. The couples’ sexual health was measured using standardised sexual function questionnaires (male: International Index of Erectile Function-15 [IIEF-15] and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool [PEDT]; female: Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]) and a self-designed questionnaire to evaluate changes in sexual behaviours (sexual satisfaction, desire, frequency of sexual activity, masturbation, and pornography use) during lockdown. The couples’ psychological health was measured using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) was used to analyse the associations between sexual health and psychological health.
Results
The IIEF-15 scores (53.07 ± 11.11 vs. 57.52 ± 8.57, t = − 3.17, p = 0.00) were lower and the PEDT scores (6.58 ± 3.13 vs. 5.17 ± 2.22, t = 3.67, p = 0.00) and incidence of premature ejaculation (χ2 = 14.73, p = 0.00) were higher for men with azoospermia than for men with normozoospermia. Compared with those of wives of men with normozoospermia, the total FSFI scores (25.12 ± 5.56 vs. 26.75 ± 4.82, t = − 2.22, p = 0.03) of wives of men with azoospermia were lower. The chi-square test showed that the perceived changes in sexual satisfaction (χ2 = 7.22, p = 0.03), frequency of masturbation (χ2 = 21.96, p = 0.00), and pornography use (χ2 = 10.90, p = 0.01) were significantly different between the female groups with azoospermia and normozoospermia, but there were no significant changes in sexual behaviour between the male groups. The GAD-7 (men: 7.18 ± 5.56 vs. 5.68 ± 4.58, p = 0.04; women: 6.65 ± 5.06 vs. 5.10 ± 3.29, p = 0.01) and PHQ-9 scores (men: 10.21 ± 6.37 vs. 7.49 ± 6.10, p = 0.00; women: 8.81 ± 6.50 vs. 6.98 ± 4.43, p = 0.02) were significantly higher for couples with azoospermia than for couples with normozoospermia. The APIM showed that for couples with azoospermia, sexual function negatively correlated with their own anxiety (men: β = −0.22, p = 0.00; women: β = −0.38, p = 0.00) and depression symptoms (men: β = −0.21, p = 0.00; women: β = −0.57, p = 0.00) but not with their partner’s anxiety and depression symptoms (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
Couples with azoospermia had a lower quality of sexual function and higher levels of psychological distress than couples with normozoospermia. Their sexual health negatively correlated with psychological distress.
Background
To date, there have been no reports on the sexual and psychological health of patients with azoospermia during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Previous studies on the sexual health of couples with azoospermia are limited and are especially lacking in data on the wives of azoospermic men.
Methods
We conducted a case–control cross-sectional study between 1 July 2020 and 20 December 2020. In total, 100 couples with azoospermia comprised the experimental group and 100 couples with normozoospermia comprised the control group. The couples’ sexual health was measured using standardised sexual function questionnaires (male: International Index of Erectile Function-15 [IIEF-15] and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool [PEDT]; female: Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]) and a self-designed questionnaire to evaluate changes in sexual behaviours (sexual satisfaction, desire, frequency of sexual activity, masturbation, and pornography use) during lockdown. The couples’ psychological health was measured using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) was used to analyse the associations between sexual health and psychological health.
Results
The IIEF-15 scores (53.07 ± 11.11 vs. 57.52 ± 8.57, t = − 3.17, p = 0.00) were lower and the PEDT scores (6.58 ± 3.13 vs. 5.17 ± 2.22, t = 3.67, p = 0.00) and incidence of premature ejaculation (χ2 = 14.73, p = 0.00) were higher for men with azoospermia than for men with normozoospermia. Compared with those of wives of men with normozoospermia, the total FSFI scores (25.12 ± 5.56 vs. 26.75 ± 4.82, t = − 2.22, p = 0.03) of wives of men with azoospermia were lower. The chi-square test showed that the perceived changes in sexual satisfaction (χ2 = 7.22, p = 0.03), frequency of masturbation (χ2 = 21.96, p = 0.00), and pornography use (χ2 = 10.90, p = 0.01) were significantly different between the female groups with azoospermia and normozoospermia, but there were no significant changes in sexual behaviour between the male groups. The GAD-7 (men: 7.18 ± 5.56 vs. 5.68 ± 4.58, p = 0.04; women: 6.65 ± 5.06 vs. 5.10 ± 3.29, p = 0.01) and PHQ-9 scores (men: 10.21 ± 6.37 vs. 7.49 ± 6.10, p = 0.00; women: 8.81 ± 6.50 vs. 6.98 ± 4.43, p = 0.02) were significantly higher for couples with azoospermia than for couples with normozoospermia. The APIM showed that for couples with azoospermia, sexual function negatively correlated with their own anxiety (men: β = −0.22, p = 0.00; women: β = −0.38, p = 0.00) and depression symptoms (men: β = −0.21, p = 0.00; women: β = −0.57, p = 0.00) but not with their partner’s anxiety and depression symptoms (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
Couples with azoospermia had a lower quality of sexual function and higher levels of psychological distress than couples with normozoospermia. Their sexual health negatively correlated with psychological distress.Adam21 is dispensable for reproductive processes in micehttps://peerj.com/articles/122102021-09-232021-09-23Yinghong ChenChao LiuYongliang ShangLiying WangWei LiGuoping Li
Background
As a group of membrane-anchored proteins, the proteins containing a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain (ADAMs) control many biological processes, especially for male fertility. Mouse Adam21 was previously found to be specifically expressed in the somatic cells and germ cells of testes, but its functional role during spermatogenesis and male reproductive processes is still unknown.
Methods
Adam21-null mice were created using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Quantitative real-time PCR was used for analyzing of gene expression. Histological, cytological and immunofluorescence staining were performed to analyze the phenotypes of mouse testis and epididymis. Intracellular lipid droplets (LDs) were detected by Oil red O (ORO) staining and BODIPY staining. Fertility and sperm characteristics were also detected.
Results
Here, we successfully generated an Adam21 conventional knockout mouse model via CRISPR/Cas9 technology so that we can explore its potential role in male reproduction. We found that male mice lacking Adam21 have normal fertility without any detectable defects in spermatogenesis or sperm motility. Histological analysis of the seminiferous epithelium showed no obvious spermatogenesis difference between Adam21-null and wild-type mice. Cytological analysis revealed no detectable defects in meiotic progression, neither Sertoli cells nor Leydig cells displayed any defect compared with that of the control mice. All these results suggest that Adam21 might not be essential for male fertility in mice, and its potential function still needs further investigation.
Background
As a group of membrane-anchored proteins, the proteins containing a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain (ADAMs) control many biological processes, especially for male fertility. Mouse Adam21 was previously found to be specifically expressed in the somatic cells and germ cells of testes, but its functional role during spermatogenesis and male reproductive processes is still unknown.
Methods
Adam21-null mice were created using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Quantitative real-time PCR was used for analyzing of gene expression. Histological, cytological and immunofluorescence staining were performed to analyze the phenotypes of mouse testis and epididymis. Intracellular lipid droplets (LDs) were detected by Oil red O (ORO) staining and BODIPY staining. Fertility and sperm characteristics were also detected.
Results
Here, we successfully generated an Adam21 conventional knockout mouse model via CRISPR/Cas9 technology so that we can explore its potential role in male reproduction. We found that male mice lacking Adam21 have normal fertility without any detectable defects in spermatogenesis or sperm motility. Histological analysis of the seminiferous epithelium showed no obvious spermatogenesis difference between Adam21-null and wild-type mice. Cytological analysis revealed no detectable defects in meiotic progression, neither Sertoli cells nor Leydig cells displayed any defect compared with that of the control mice. All these results suggest that Adam21 might not be essential for male fertility in mice, and its potential function still needs further investigation.