Cheng-Liang Xiong

Epithelial Na(+) channels (ENaCs) are ion channels that play important roles in physiology as well as pathophysiology. Inhibiting ENaCs using amiloride and its derivatives has been suggested in treatment of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. By immunoblotting, we demonstrated the presence of ENaC-alpha protein in the flagellar midpiece of both rat and human sperm. Immunohistochemistry analyses in rat testis localized ENaC-alpha expressed in the Leydig cell, Sertoli cell, Ap spermatogonium, spermatocyte, spermatid and residual body. Importantly, using computer-assisted sperm motility analysis, we first observed that EIPA [5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride hydrochloride] inhibition of ENaCs, possibly including ENaC-alpha and ENaC-delta, significantly improved the sperm motility in healthy donors by 14.23% (mean +/- SEM, 68.75 +/- 9.76% vs. 78.53 +/- 6.20%, p < 0.001) and in asthenospermia patients by 115.89% from 9.50 +/- 6.11% to 20.51 +/- 12.13% (mean +/- SEM, p < 0.001). The improved sperm motility by EIPA has important clinical implications in the treatment of asthenospermia and certainly warrants further investigation.

AJA publishes new findings in basic and clinical (including modern, traditional and epidemiological) research on Andrology.

Summary: The in vitro effects of Candida albicans and its filtrates on the motility and ultrastructure of human spermatozoa from healthy donors were studied. A significant reduction in sperm progressive motility and signs of membrane alteration, directly related to contact time were observed. Distinct adhesion of spermatozoa to C. albicans and agglutination were observed. Light and transmission electron microscopy examinations showed that spermatozoa attached to C. albicans mainly via the head. Multiple ultrastructural lesions were present, which were the possible morphological reasons for spermatozoan immobilization observed in the present study. It is concluded that C. albicans as well as its filtrates had an inhibitory effect on human sperm motility and impaired the ultrastructure of human spermatozoa, which could be associated with male infertility.

CatSper is a unique sperm cation channel-like protein family exclusively expressed in the testis and plays important roles in sperm functions. The temporal expression profiles of CatSper1–4 mRNAs in the mouse testis during post-natal development through adulthood were investigated using real-time RT–PCR. The CatSper2 transcript was present in the testis of the 8-day-old mice, and was repressed in the adult testis after two sharp up-regulations at day 18 and 35. CatSper1 and CatSper3, 4 mRNAs were detectable in the testis of 18-day and 15-day-old mice, respectively. After sharp up-regulation at day 25 and 35, respectively, they were maximal at the adult testis stage. The differences between the temporal expression profiles of the CatSper transcripts in post-natal mouse testis development suggest different regulation to their transcription, and potentially contribute to the possibility of forming heteromeric channels among these four CatSper family members. CatSper1–3 transcripts were identified to be present in the human ejaculated spermatozoa by RT–PCR. Significantly higher levels of CatSper2 and CatSper3 mRNAs revealed by real-time RT–PCR were observed in the high-motile spermatozoa than in the low-motile fraction and suggests that CatSper2 and CatSper3 transcripts in the human ejaculated spermatozoa could be the potential targets for further study and male infertility screening.

AJA publishes new findings in basic and clinical (including modern, traditional and epidemiological) research on Andrology.

To evaluate the diagnostic value of infrared image system for chronic prostatitis(CP) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Fifteen patients with CP, 17 patients with BPH and 15 healthy volunteers were examined by infrared image system. The infrared thermal images were analyzed. Compared with healthy volunteers, CP and BPH group had significantly different in infrared thermal image of prostate, but there were no significant differences between CP and BPH group. Infrared image system is a useful tool to screen the prostatic diseases.

Sperm cryopreservation is essential link of assisted reproductive techniques. Because of widespread application for AID and establish of human sperm storeroom, the effects of cryopreservation on human sperm genetic substance have been paid more and more attention. This report summarizes the effects of cryopreservation on human sperm genetic substance and preventive measures.